Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola acknowledges the unavoidable comparisons to Patrick Mahomes, noting their similar hairstyles, athletic abilities, and game day styles. However, Raiola emphasizes that his journey is his own.

“Everybody be like, ‘Oh, he wants to be like him,’ and all this stuff,” Raiola stated on CBS Sports Confidential Conversations. “It just so happens he played baseball, I played baseball. He plays quarterback, I play quarterback … I can’t get mad at God for making me look like him.”

Raiola has developed a relationship with Mahomes, visiting him during last season’s AFC Championship celebration. They share a personal quarterback coach, Jeff Christensen.

“It ain’t cap. It’s real love,” Raiola declared concerning his admiration for Mahomes.

As Nebraska embarks on the 2025 season against Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium, Raiola emphasizes the importance of mentorship over imitation. He likened his relationship with Mahomes to Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, absorbing experiences while establishing his own reputation.

Facing the pressures of comparison can be weighed down by young fans, as Raiola noted, “Every time a little kid around here is like, ‘Yo, mini-Mahomes!’ I’m like, ‘What’d you say? What’s my name?’”

Following a challenging previous season with 13 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, Raiola undertook a rigorous training regimen to prepare for this year’s challenges, improving his fitness and gameplay.

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