Maybe Not for 2026, But Nebraska's Future at Quarterback Hasn't Been Clearer Than Now

The transfer portal doesn't officially open until Jan. 2, but it has become clear that Nebraska will have some major hits to its roster. One player who is expected to leave is quarterback Dylan Raiola.

Raiola had a productive sophomore year with 18 touchdown passes and six interceptions before suffering a broken leg during the Huskers' ninth game of 2025.

Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Even with his injury and impending transfer, the future at the position remains brighter than ever for Nebraska. The future isn't just bright, but it is completely clear after things were a bit foggy before.

Full Breakdown of the Future

Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback TJ Lateef walks into the stadium before the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Memorial Stadi — Nebraska quarterback TJ Lateef. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

The guy with the job for now is, without a doubt, TJ Lateef, and he is someone who could be viewed as a long-term starter, as he has three years of eligibility left. It is also worth noting that the Cornhuskers didn't land a single 2026 signee at the position. That is because their lone commit during the cycle, Raiola's brother Dayton, decommitted from the Huskers last month, which seemed to come from out of nowhere and was the base of the playing card house that fell.

Lateef played in six games this season as a true freshman, starting the final three after Raiola's injury, and was electric at times.

After Lateef, the answer is already on the table. You will play a guy like Trae Taylor, who has the term "future" written all over him. Taylor is someone who has quickly become a top name in the industry at the position, as he is a 2027 prospect who has been committed to Nebraska since May 1. Taylor would be someone you could nearly consider to be "elite," and in terms of recent QB commits, he would be near the top of the list, along with a guy like Dylan Raiola.

If Dylan Raiola had decided to stay and his brother Dayton had joined the roster, things would begin to feel a bit crowded — extremely crowded to the point that Lateef might never hit his full stride in the scarlet and cream. This may seem like an unpopular opinion, but with Lateef having some reps under his belt, he seems as dangerous as ever.

More Nebraska News

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.