Dylan Raiola had himself a day in his debut at the University of Nebraska. The top-rated recruit not only showed the program all that he's capable of under center, but also had many people comparing him to NFL star, Patrick Mahomes, and not just because of his looks.
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Ever since Raiola emerged in the spotlight and committed to Nebraska last December (he previously was going to Georgia), his striking resemblance with the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has been no secret. From his hair down to his goatee and even the shades he wears, Raiola and Mahomes are doppelgangers.
P?a?t? ?M?a?h?o?m?e?s? Dylan Raiola in the house ?@HuskerFootball pic.twitter.com/lH5Kz1i1ul
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 31, 2024
Yet on Saturday, the freshman showed the nation that there's more between the two than just appearances. Raiola was special in the three quarters he played in Nebraska's 40-7 win over UTEP. He went 19-27 with 238 yards and two touchdowns.
Credit: @HuskerFootball
Stats aside, it was also the movement that Raiola exhibited which really made the comparisons to Mahomes jarring. One throw in particular saw the Buford, Georgia product run to his left only to contort his body for a cross-motion sidearm throw a la Mahomes. It was pretty, it was talented, and it was everything we've come to love from the Super Bowl winning Mahomes.
Dylan Raiola is the reincarnation of Patrick Mahomes pic.twitter.com/H9iepmnm60
— tik (@twosuh) August 31, 2024
The NFL All-Pro even recognized Raiola on X by sending out a message in response to a highlight Raiola, simply putting, "Lil cuzzo!!"
It also helps that Raiola proudly wears No. 15, which only heightens the senses when you see him play. Shades of Mahomes are more than evident, but he has a long way to go to reach that point.
For what it's worth, Mahomes didn't burst onto the collegiate scene as quickly as Raiola as his breakout performance came in the fifth appearance he made in which he tossed for 393 yards and four scores. Give Raiola a full four quarters and those videogame numbers will soon come his way, too.
