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Nebraska’s hopes for a signature victory in 2025 took a jarring turn Saturday when starting quarterback Dylan Raiola left the Huskers’ matchup with USC in the third quarter. The injury derailed a promising night for the 6-2 Cornhuskers and forced coach Matt Rhule to pivot midgame as fans and analysts awaited clarity on Raiola’s condition.
Latest on Dylan Raiola’s injury and official updates
Multiple reports from Sunday confirmed what fans feared after the game.
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- Raiola will not return this season, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
- The injury has been identified as a broken fibula, ending his 2025 campaign.
- Head coach Matt Rhule said Raiola tried to go back in, but medical staff and Rhule stopped the effort.
The sequence began with Raiola leaving the field for evaluation. He remained on the sideline late in the game but moved with an obvious limp.
What unfolded on the play that changed the game
Nebraska had a lead early in the second half and received the ball to try and extend it. A short sequence of plays quickly turned the momentum.
- On first down, USC defenders converged and brought Raiola to the turf.
- The hit caused a fumble and a turnover that swung field position in USC’s favor.
- Raiola’s ankle appeared to get trapped under him during the tackle.
- He was helped to the sideline and taken to the medical tent for treatment.
Video of the hit spread quickly on social platforms. Teammates and coaches were visibly concerned on the sideline as medical personnel attended to him.
Who steps in: TJ Lateef and Nebraska’s quarterback depth
True freshman TJ Lateef took over after Raiola exited. The Compton product gives the Cornhuskers a different look under center.
- Height and weight: listed at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds.
- Recruiting: rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports out of Orange Lutheran High School.
- 2025 appearances: prior to this game, he completed 11 of 12 passes for 254 yards and one touchdown.
- Rushing: he had five carries for 32 yards and two scores earlier in the season.
Lateef had been the team’s No. 2 quarterback and already showed mobility and composure in limited action.
What Raiola’s absence means for Nebraska’s season and offense
Nebraska entered Week 10 at 6-2 and looking to build on a rebound from a 7-6 2024 season. The loss of Raiola forces immediate offensive adjustments.
- Play-calling will likely lean more on play-action and schemed runs to protect the freshman QB.
- Rhule’s staff must balance risk with the need to keep drives alive against ranked opponents.
- Depth at quarterback will be tested as the Huskers chase signature wins to boost rankings.
Matt Rhule — who had recently received a contract extension — now faces the task of steadying the program through this setback.
Timeline and next steps for recovery and roster planning
Medical updates will guide Nebraska’s roster moves in the coming days. The broken fibula diagnosis sets an expected timeline for surgery and rehab.
- Team doctors will outline a treatment plan and projected return-to-play window.
- The program may evaluate emergency options, including transfers or game-day elevations.
- Coaching staff will work to integrate Lateef into a game plan that minimizes turnover risk.
Fans should expect official team statements and injury reports to appear before Nebraska’s next practice window and ahead of upcoming games.
