The NCAA transfer portal is poised to close its window for the 2026 offseason in less than a week, with the deadline set for Friday. Since the portal’s opening on January 2, over 4,000 college football players from various levels have chosen to enter, with a notable number being Power Five quarterbacks in search of a more favorable playing situation.
Among the first players to declare for the transfer portal this offseason was Dylan Raiola, a former quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The highly regarded 6-foot-3, 230-pound talent has two years of eligibility remaining and is largely recognized for his impressive tenure at Nebraska. There, he was recruited by Matt Rhule as a five-star prospect in the 2024 signing class. Raiola played a significant role in leading Nebraska to its first bowl game appearance in eight years, culminating in the program’s first bowl victory since the 2015 Foster Farms Bowl.
During his time at Nebraska, he accrued impressive statistics, totaling 2,819 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, before an injury limited him to just nine games in his final season. Even with these challenges, Raiola still managed to throw for 2,000 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. He made his decision to enter the transfer portal on December 15, 2025.
While many quarterbacks who have entered the portal are aligned with potential future schools, Raiola’s journey appears to be more subdued. Current projections suggest he may head to Oregon, where interestingly, he could find himself in a scenario reminiscent of past transfer rules. Reports indicate that if Oregon’s Dante Moore returns for another season, Raiola could opt to redshirt and set himself up for a starting position in 2027. This is notable considering Moore is projected to be a top pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft.
The evolving dynamics of college football transfers, particularly the elimination of the requirement for players to sit out a season, now allows athletes like Raiola a flexible pathway to enhance their collegiate careers. Such changes reflect the ongoing transformation in college athletics, enabling greater opportunities for players as they navigate their academic and athletic futures. Raiola’s decision highlights an encouraging trend for college athletes seeking to find their perfect fit, and the potential of the transfer portal as a strategic avenue for player development.