I’M STAYING FOREVER!!!: Dylan Raiola Announces Permanent Contract Deal with Nebraska Till Retirement After Groundbreaking Agreement with Trev Alberts and University Board
In a stunning development that sent shockwaves through the college football world, Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola has announced that he has signed a “permanent contract” with the University of Nebraska, pledging to stay with the program until the end of his football career — and possibly beyond.
At a packed press conference held at Memorial Stadium, Raiola walked on stage wearing a custom Nebraska jersey emblazoned with the word “FOREVER” in place of a number. Flanked by Nebraska athletic director Trev Alberts and University of Nebraska system president Ted Carter, the 19-year-old phenom declared, “This is home. This is forever. I’m not going anywhere. I’m building something special here — and I’m staying until it’s done.”
The First-of-Its-Kind Deal in College Football
Raiola’s deal, reportedly the first of its kind in collegiate sports, combines elements of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), university ambassador responsibilities, future coaching provisions, and a long-term leadership role within the athletic department. While the official figures have not been disclosed, sources close to the program suggest the agreement includes:
A multi-million dollar NIL structure backed by Nebraska’s top boosters and corporate sponsors.
Full scholarship and academic support through graduate and professional school, should Raiola pursue them.
A guaranteed coaching or advisory role within the football program post-retirement.
Ownership stake in a new foundation that Raiola is launching in partnership with the university, focused on youth development and housing initiatives in the Midwest.
The university’s Board of Regents approved the agreement unanimously in a closed session just days before the announcement.
A Star Cementing His Legacy
Raiola, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class and one of the most high-profile signings in Nebraska football history, enrolled early in January 2024 and has already become the face of the program. His decision to spurn blue-blood programs like Georgia, USC, and Alabama in favor of Nebraska shocked many — but this latest commitment takes it to another level.
“Most guys play college ball to get to the NFL,” Raiola said. “But I want to change that mindset. Nebraska gave me everything. I want to give everything back. Championships, culture, community — we’re going to win it all. Right here.”
Trev Alberts: “A New Blueprint for Loyalty in College Football”
Athletic director Trev Alberts, the architect of this visionary deal, praised Raiola’s maturity and long-term vision. “What we’ve done here today is bigger than football,” Alberts said. “We’ve created a blueprint for what commitment can look like in this new era. Dylan Raiola is not just a quarterback — he’s the foundation of what Nebraska is building for the next 20 years.”
Alberts also noted that the deal is fully compliant with NCAA and Big Ten regulations. “We’ve worked with legal, compliance, and external NIL partners to ensure this is sustainable, ethical, and above-board,” he added.
“I’m Building a Dynasty in Lincoln”
Raiola’s leadership off the field has matched his talent on it. Earlier this month, he made headlines for investing $3.6 million of his NIL earnings into transforming a mansion in Tennessee into a youth shelter, aimed at housing and rehabilitating homeless teenagers. Now, his “Stay Forever” deal includes provisions to expand similar initiatives across Nebraska.
In a moment that drew thunderous applause during the press conference, Raiola said, “Dynasties aren’t built overnight. They’re built with sweat, sacrifice, and staying power. I’m not here for a season. I’m here for a generation.”
Reaction from Fans, Recruits, and National Media
Within hours, “#ForeverHusker” trended across social media. Nebraska fans flooded message boards and Twitter feeds with celebrations, memes, and heartfelt thank-yous.
More importantly, recruits took notice. A top 2026 5-star wide receiver tweeted, “This changes EVERYTHING. Raiola staying? Lincoln might be the new Atlanta.” Multiple high school prospects from Texas, Florida, and California followed Nebraska coaches on social media within 24 hours of the announcement.
ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit called the deal “a historic paradigm shift in the power dynamics of college football.”
“This is Nebraska planting a flag,” Herbstreit said. “They’re not trying to be relevant — they’re trying to be elite. And with Raiola committed like this, they might just get there faster than anyone thought.”
Matt Rhule: “The Culture is Real”
Head coach Matt Rhule, who has worked closely with Raiola since his arrival in Lincoln, praised the young quarterback’s character.
“This isn’t just about football,” Rhule said. “This is about a young man who believes in Nebraska. Who believes in people. We’re not chasing transfers or quick fixes. We’re building something real — and Raiola is the anchor.”
Rhule also hinted that the 2025 recruiting class could include “some major surprises” following the announcement. “Kids want to play with someone who’s not looking for the exit door. That’s Dylan.”
What Comes Next?
While Raiola will still be eligible for the NFL Draft in coming years, he gave no indication that he would be pursuing it any time soon. In fact, he seemed eager to start shaping the program from every angle.
“I’ll be playing quarterback, recruiting, mentoring, building programs off the field — and eventually, coaching. I want to be Nebraska’s everything. That’s what forever means to me.”
Raiola also teased the launch of the Forever Husker Initiative, a collaboration with Nebraska athletics, local schools, and national nonprofits to provide youth mentorship, scholarships, and housing opportunities across the Midwest.
Final Thoughts: The Forever Era Begins
In an era where college athletes are transferring, chasing short-term deals, and treating programs as pit stops, Dylan Raiola just redefined what loyalty, vision, and leadership can look like.
His “Forever” contract isn’t just a signature on paper — it’s a declar
ation that Nebraska isn’t just back — it’s here to stay.
And so is he.