Nebraska Quarterback Dylan Raiola Loses $1.2 Million in NIL Value After Season-Ending Injury

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola has suffered a major financial blow. His Name, Image, and Likeness valuation plummeted following a severe injury. The star player lost nearly $1.2 million in NIL deals.

This marks one of the most significant single-injury financial hits in college football. According to data from On3, his valuation cratered from $3 million to $1.8 million. The drop happened in just a few weeks after he broke his fibula.

How a Single Play Altered a Financial Future

Dylan Raiola’s season ended on November 1, 2025. He broke his right fibula during a game against USC. The sophomore was completing a strong season before the third-quarter hit.

Coach Matt Rhule confirmed the injury was season-ending. Before the injury, Raiola was a top NIL earner. His portfolio included multiple high-value endorsement agreements.

The financial impact was immediate and severe. On3 tracks NIL valuations using performance, exposure, and deal data. Their metrics showed Raiola’s value dropping 40% almost overnight.

This case highlights the extreme volatility in the new NIL market. Player value is now tightly linked to health and weekly performance. One unlucky play can erase years of financial building.

A Broader Crisis for College Athlete Economics

The Raiola situation is not isolated. It exposes a critical flaw in the current NIL structure. These deals often lack the protections found in professional sports contracts.

High-profile players like Arch Manning at Texas have seen similar dips. Manning’s valuation reportedly fell millions after a performance slump. But Raiola’s loss is stark due to its direct link to a traumatic injury.

The system operates more like the stock market than traditional sports contracts. Investor and sponsor interest can vanish without warning. This leaves young athletes financially vulnerable.

There is growing conversation about introducing insurance products. Such products could protect athletes from catastrophic value loss. However, no standard solution has emerged yet.

The dramatic loss for Dylan Raiola underscores the precarious nature of modern college athletics, where an athlete’s financial worth can be drastically altered in an instant. This event will likely fuel calls for more stable and secure NIL structures moving forward.

Thought you’d like to know

What was Dylan Raiola’s NIL value before the injury?

Before his fibula injury on November 1, Dylan Raiola’s NIL valuation was approximately $3 million. This placed him among the top earners in college football for the 2025 season.

How much NIL value did Raiola actually lose?

Raiola lost about $1.2 million in NIL valuation. His estimated worth fell from $3 million down to $1.8 million, according to tracking data from On3.

Is this the biggest NIL loss from an injury?

While not the largest in total dollars, Raiola’s loss is one of the most significant proportionally. It represents a loss of roughly 40% of his total valuation in a very short time.

Did his brother’s decommitment affect this?

His brother Dayton’s decommitment from Nebraska occurred after the injury and valuation drop. The events are separate but together paint a picture of a tumultuous period for the Raiola family and the program.

Can Raiola regain his lost NIL value?

Yes, a strong recovery and return to form on the field could help rebuild his NIL valuation. However, regaining sponsor confidence and lost deals can be a challenging and lengthy process.

What does this mean for other college athletes?

This case is a stark reminder of the financial risks in the NIL era. It highlights the potential need for athletes to seek financial advice and explore insurance options to protect their earning potential.