Dylan Raiola has earned his shot to be Nebraska’s starting quarterback. The former 5-star recruit and elite prospect was officially named the Week 1 starter last week, and he’ll lead the Huskers into 2024 with the season opener against UTEP.

Even if the decision was expected, it is no less impressive for a true freshman at any Big Ten program to lead his offense into a new season. Head coach Matt Rhule has praised Raiola for his maturity throughout the process, but now it’s up to the young QB to translate his hard work onto the field.

On Tuesday, Raiola met with the media for his first press conference as the starter. It was undoubtedly a special moment, and he was asked if he had any message to the fanbase ahead of the season.

Needless to say, his response is bound to fire up Huskers ahead of this weekend:

“Buckle up, it’s going to be a fun ride,” proclaimed Raiola with a wide smile.

The No. 21 recruit in the country per the 247 Sports Composite, Raiola brings hope to a fanbase that endeared some particularly brutal QB play in 2023. Many believe just a marginal improvement at the position will lead to a bowl game and strong record for the Huskers with an already strong defense, but Raiola wanted to make sure the story is about the entire team and not one player.

During his press conference Raiola, credited Heinrich Haarberg and Daniel Kaelin for pushing him to get better each and every day.

“It was a fun competition. I still love Danny, I still love Heinrich, and they pushed me every day, so I can’t thank them enough for what they did, helping me be where I am as well,” explained Raiola.

As for when he found out, Raiola said Rhule told him walking off the practice field one day in a very unceremonious fashion. But that’s how Raiola wants it with the focus on the entire team.

“Coach Rhule just after practice was like ‘Congratulations, you’re our starting QB,’ and that was it and he went to the media,” said Raiola. “It was just quick.

“It’s about our team. I don’t want to make it about me or what I do. I can’t make it about myself, it’s going to take all 11 on both sides of the ball, and that’s our focus.”