Why TJ Lateef at the Helm Isn’t the End of the World

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Nebraska has been dealt a gut punch with the departure of two-year starter and former five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola to the transfer portal. Handed the keys to the program as the face of Nebraska’s offensive reboot, Raiola showed flashes of exactly why he was so highly regarded. He threw for just over 2,000 yards with 18 touchdowns against six interceptions before his season was cut short by injury against USC this past season. 

There’s no denying the sense of unfinished business. Raiola was supposed to be the one. But if you strip away the emotion—and that’s not easy in Lincoln—his decision makes sense. And more importantly, his exit doesn’t spell doom for the Huskers.

In fact, it may help clarify Nebraska’s future.

Mobile Quarterback Is Nebraska’s Reality

Nebraska is never going to recruit and retain the level of skill-position depth that Ohio State or Oregon has. That’s not pessimism—it’s reality. And that reality makes life extremely hard for a pure pocket passer.

Opposing defenses last season had little reason to fear the quarterback run game. They could sit on routes, compress throwing windows, and dare Nebraska’s receivers—who struggled to gain separation. The margin for error was razor-thin.

A mobile quarterback changes everything.

Defenses have to hesitate. Linebackers have to account for scrambles. Safeties can’t cheat as aggressively. Even a handful of quarterback keepers a game can open space for receivers and running backs alike. It also eases the burden on an offensive line that has struggled to consistently keep the pocket clean, allowing plays to develop organically instead of on a stopwatch.

Mobility isn’t a luxury for Nebraska—it’s a necessity.

TJ Lateef and Trae Taylor Are the Blueprint

If you squint hard enough, this moment can be viewed as a step forward in the Matt Rhule era rather than a setback.

Yes, the headline screams that Nebraska lost a legacy, five-star, face-of-the-program quarterback. But the subtext matters more: Nebraska’s recruiting job just became simpler. The program now has a clearly defined quarterback archetype.

TJ Lateef and Trae Taylor are cut from a similar cloth—both are comparable in size, athleticism, and skill sets. That continuity matters. It allows Nebraska to recruit, develop, and scheme with intention rather than constantly pivoting to fit a singular talent.

For the next four years, Nebraska can sell a vision of offensive consistency. That hasn’t always been the case in recent seasons.

The $3.5 Million Question

Raiola’s departure also leaves a very real financial ripple effect. Nebraska suddenly has a reported $3.5 million NIL question to answer, and GM Pat Stewart now controls the allocation.

The good news? Even a proven portal quarterback won’t command Dylan Raiola money. That leaves room—possibly significant room—to invest where Nebraska needs it most: the trenches.

The biggest flaw on this roster in 2025 wasn’t quarterback play. It was the lack of difference-makers on the offensive and defensive lines. Nebraska simply didn’t have enough “dudes” who could consistently create havoc at the point of attack.

Redirecting resources toward line play could have a far greater impact on wins and losses than chasing another high-priced quarterback.

A Clearer Identity at Last

To many Husker fans, the sky feels like it’s falling without a Raiola in the building. That reaction is understandable. But zooming out, this may be the moment where Matt Rhule finally locks in an offensive identity—one that fits the program’s realities and maximizes its strengths.

Rhule has spent much of his tenure searching for what works. Now, with clarity at quarterback and flexibility in roster building, he has a chance to commit fully to a system that gives Nebraska its best chance to compete.

The pain is real. The uncertainty is uncomfortable. But the future may be more stable—and more sustainable—than it looks right now.

GBR.

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