Dylan Raiola leaves USC game with ankle injury

Lincoln, Neb. – September 14, 2024 – Nebraska’s highly touted freshman quarterback, Dylan Raiola, was carted off the field Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium after suffering an ankle injury during the third quarter of the Cornhuskers’ game against No. 16 USC. The incident occurred with 5:32 remaining in the third, a significant blow to the Huskers as they trailed the Trojans 17-10.

Raiola, a five-star recruit and the centerpiece of Nebraska’s rebuilding efforts under coach Matt Rhule, went down awkwardly on a designed run play. He took a low hit to his left leg as he was being tackled, immediately grabbing at his ankle. He initially limped off the field under his own power, heading directly to the medical tent on the sideline. After several minutes, medical personnel decided to transport him to the locker room via cart, leaving the crowd in a stunned silence.

The injury immediately cast a shadow over what was already a tough contest for the Huskers. Raiola’s departure thrust fellow true freshman TJ Lateef into action, marking his collegiate debut under challenging circumstances. Lateef, also a highly regarded recruit from the 2024 class, took over the offense with the weight of the game and the program’s future suddenly resting on his shoulders.

Raiola’s presence has been a source of immense optimism for Nebraska fans, who view him as the potential franchise quarterback to revive the program’s storied history. His arrival in Lincoln was met with national fanfare, and he had shown flashes of his prodigious talent in the early games of the season, despite the team’s mixed results. His mobility and arm strength were key components of the Huskers’ offensive game plan, making his absence particularly impactful.

The full extent and severity of Raiola’s ankle injury are yet to be officially disclosed by the university. Following the game, Coach Rhule is expected to provide an initial update, though a definitive prognosis often requires further evaluation, including X-rays or MRI scans, which could take place in the coming days.

The loss of Raiola, even temporarily, presents a major challenge for Nebraska as they navigate a critical stretch of their schedule. The team now faces an uncertain outlook at the quarterback position, relying on another true freshman in Lateef or exploring other options on the depth chart. The injury to their marquee player adds another layer of complexity to a season already filled with high expectations and the pressure to deliver results. Fans and media alike will be anxiously awaiting further updates on Raiola’s condition and his potential timeline for return.