HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT: Dylan Raiola Makes History as Nebraska Cornhuskers Star Claims 2025 Tom Novak Award, Cementing His Status Among Football’s Elite and Ushering in a New Era for the Franchise with Unmatched Athleticism, Leadership, and Game-Changing Talent
In a moment that will be remembered for generations, Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola has etched his name into program history by earning the prestigious 2025 Tom Novak Award. The honor, bestowed annually upon the player who “best exemplifies courage and determination despite all odds,” is a fitting tribute to Raiola’s transformative impact on Nebraska football in just one season.
The true freshman phenom didn’t just live up to the immense hype that surrounded his arrival in Lincoln—he exceeded it. Raiola’s first year with the Cornhuskers was nothing short of electric. From his opening snap to the final whistle of the season, Raiola displayed a rare combination of poise, athleticism, and leadership far beyond his years. His stellar play reignited a fanbase hungry for relevance and helped restore the luster to a storied program long yearning for a return to glory.
A Star is Born in Lincoln
Raiola, the former five-star recruit and one-time Georgia commit, made headlines in 2023 when he flipped his commitment to Nebraska, choosing legacy and loyalty over flash and familiarity. The son of former Cornhuskers and NFL lineman Dominic Raiola, Dylan embraced the pressure of being “the one” to bring Nebraska back to prominence. And in 2025, he did just that.
From the moment he stepped on the field, it was clear Raiola was special. His first collegiate game saw him throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, commanding the huddle like a seasoned veteran. As the season progressed, so did his performances. Whether threading the needle with a precision throw on third and long or escaping the pocket and extending plays with his legs, Raiola consistently gave Nebraska a competitive edge.
He finished the regular season with over 3,800 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions—numbers rarely seen from a freshman quarterback in the Big Ten. He added another 500 yards and six touchdowns on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat capability. But stats alone don’t tell the story. It was Raiola’s intangible qualities—his resilience, leadership, and grit—that truly set him apart.
The Tom Novak Legacy
The Tom Novak Award is one of the most respected honors within the Nebraska football community. Named after the legendary Cornhuskers lineman from the 1940s, the award recognizes players who embody the spirit of determination, mental toughness, and a relentless will to win—qualities that defined Novak’s legacy.
For Dylan Raiola to win the award as a freshman is unprecedented. In doing so, he joins an elite group of Nebraska greats such as Ndamukong Suh, Rex Burkhead, and Lavonte David, all of whom left lasting impacts on the program. But Raiola’s selection stands apart in that it represents not just individual excellence, but a broader cultural shift within the program. His presence has rejuvenated the Cornhuskers, instilling belief both in the locker room and across Husker Nation.
Ushering in a New Era
Under head coach Matt Rhule, Nebraska’s football program has steadily rebuilt its foundation. But Raiola’s arrival accelerated that process in ways few could have predicted. With his talent and magnetic personality, he’s drawn national attention back to Lincoln and helped the Cornhuskers land a top-10 recruiting class for 2026.
Raiola’s leadership off the field has been just as critical. By embracing Nebraska’s history while writing a new chapter, he’s bridged the gap between past and present. Whether it’s staying late after practice to throw with walk-on receivers, mentoring underclassmen, or speaking at local high schools, Raiola has already become the face of the program and a role model for the state’s youth.
“He’s not just our quarterback—he’s our heartbeat,” said Coach Rhule. “Dylan embodies everything we want Nebraska football to be about: toughness, humility, and the desire to be great. The Tom Novak Award couldn’t go to a more deserving player.”
A Beacon of Hope for Husker Nation
For a fanbase as passionate and loyal as Nebraska’s, Raiola represents more than wins and highlights—he represents hope. After years of coaching changes, heartbreaking losses, and unfulfilled potential, the Cornhuskers now have a generational talent capable of leading them back to the national stage.
Already, whispers of Heisman contention for 2026 are swirling. NFL scouts have taken notice too, marveling at Raiola’s combination of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ. But Raiola, true to form, remains focused on the present.
“I’m honored to win the Tom Novak Award,” he said during the ceremony. “This isn’t about me—it’s about our team, our coaches, and everyone who believed in what we’re building here. Nebraska football is back, and we’re just getting started.”
The Road Ahead
With Raiola at the helm, the Cornhuskers are poised for continued success. Expectations will be sky-high heading into the 2026 season, with Nebraska projected to be a top-15 team in preseason polls. But if his freshman year is any indication, Raiola thrives under pressure.
Beyond the accolades and expectations, it’s clear Dylan Raiola has become something far more important: a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets purpose. And in doing so, he has not only honored the legacy of To
m Novak, but carved out one of his own.