The Nebraska Cornhuskers entered Week 10 of the 2025 season at 6-2, searching for a signature win but trending upward after a 7-6 season in 2024.
Newly extended head coach Matt Rhule got that opportunity in Saturday’s matchup against a ranked USC squad. After falling to Michigan in September, Nebraska came in with a chance to take down its first ranked opponent in years.
However, the Cornhuskers took a significant blow on Saturday when their QB1, Dylan Raiola, left the game in the third quarter with an apparent injury.
Here’s the latest on Raiola’s status after leaving the Week 10 matchup against USC.
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What happened to Dylan Raiola?
Nebraska was carrying a lead in Saturday’s matchup after halftime. Raiola, who had a touchdown pass, got the ball back early in the third quarter with a chance to extend his team’s lead.
But just a few plays into the drive, the USC defense got to Raiola on first down, sending him to the ground. In the process, he lost the football on a fumble — and the quarterback then remained on the field.
Raiola’s ankle appeared to get caught beneath him as he was tackled. He was removed from the game after the play, which resulted in a turnover.
Dylan Raiola got CRUNCHED on this tackle 😳
📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/T8a8s4kSAe
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 2, 2025
Dylan Raiola injury updates
Raiola did not return with the Cornhuskers’ offense on its following drive, removed from the game with the apparent ankle injury. He was sent to the medical tent after the play, then seen with his helmet on while walking on the sideline with a slight limp, per Ben Beecham.
Raiola appears to be out for the remainder of the game. He is staying on the sideline but has a noticeable limp.
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Who is Dylan Raiola’s backup?
Following Raiola’s exit due to injury, true freshman TJ Lateef came in the game for the Cornhuskers. Lateef, who is from Compton, California, and attended Orange Lutheran High School, stands at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds. He was a three-star recruit by 247Sports.
Listed as the Cornhuskers’ No. 2 quarterback, Lateef has made two previous appearances this season, completing 11-of-12 passes for 254 yards and one touchdown while adding five carries for 32 yards and two touchdowns.
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