Not every story in college football starts with confetti and five-star dreams coming true. This year Dylan Raiola‘s NFL dreams took a hit, and he was rather “pissed” that he would have to wait for long to play for his dream franchise. But this hasn’t stopped him from turning heads in Lincoln. Good thing this Nebraska QB doesn’t have to deal with these tough times alone. His sister, also known as his ‘best friend’ and “biggest cheerleader,” has been in his corner long before the cameras ever showed up. Dylan Raiola is not just another name in the quarterback carousel, he’s already drawing comparisons to Patrick Mahomes. While most 19-year-olds are finding their place, Raiola has already claimed his seat at the table. But wait. 19? Okay, we’ll circle back to that.

Coming off a record-setting freshman season with 2,819 passing yards and a 67.1% completion rate. Raiola cemented his name before most players even find their rhythm. The hype is earned. And he wears the pressure of being the future NFL star as a second jersey. And just as fans were still replaying his 2024 highlights, another milestone quietly dropped. Dylan turned 20 this Friday. Told you, we’ll be circling back to his age. Just a quiet celebration until his biggest cheerleader arrived and made it anything but quiet. 

If being subtle about your sibling’s achievements were a game, Taylor Raiola wouldn’t be winning any medals. She has been his loudest supporter on and off the field. On Dylan’s birthday, she let a five-photo string on Instagram do the talking on her behalf. The first shot? Her on the sidelines, heart on her sleeve, cheering with the kind of pride that only family knows. Next, Dylan was still in gear, and Taylor wrapped around him. A moment soaked in victory and love.

But it was the final photo that stopped us. Two kids, side by side, all giggles and chubby cheeks. She captioned it as, “How y’all see him vs. how I’ll forever see him!! Happy birthday to the one who is pure joy, the one who made me a big sis. You’re growing up waaay too fast, but watching you do it is one of life’s greatest gifts. You’re my built-in best friend, a smile when it’s needed most, and you always show up. So proud of you, always. Cheers to your 20s, Dylan boy!! Shine on.” In that frame, the helmet fades, and we don’t see the future No. 1 draft pick. We just see Taylor’s little brother. Classic sibling goals.

Raiola’s off-season wasn’t just filled with birthday balloons and sideline cheers. He’s making serious moves off the field. With NFL detours, he might have missed out on one jersey, but another one just dropped. This time with stripes, and a faint cheer, “you got this”.

Nebraska QB is winning this off-season

The Nebraska QB just landed a powerhouse NIL deal with Adidas, locking in his role as a rising face of both college football and the Cornhuskers brand. While the German sportswear giant already backs Nebraska through 2028, putting Raiola in the limelight changes the game. And Taylor couldn’t be more proud of this deal. From sideline chants to social media flexes, Taylor is always there.

Last year, Dylan’s NIL portfolio featured Panini America, EA Sports, and Campus Ink. But this one? It’s a level up. Adidas doesn’t just slap stripes on anyone. The brand sees a future in Raiola, and so does everyone watching. Coach Matt Rhule nailed it: “Playing quarterback as a freshman in the Big Ten is not easy,” HC added, “[He’ll] have a great off-season, and he’ll make another huge jump. Really, the sky’s the limit for him.” 

Raiola has made his way into the No. 21 spot in On3’s NIL100 with a $2.3 million NIL valuation. And he is living up the hype. Adidas sees potential in him, and so does he. “Heading into my second season, the goal remains the same: help build the next era of Nebraska football and leave a legacy that makes our fans proud,” the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award semi-finalist said.

Raiola’s stock is soaring. And if you were wondering – yes, Taylor has already jumped to the comments to hype her lil bro. When Adidas made the announcement official on Instagram, she penned: “So proud of you buddy ❤️” and “Keep climbing.” So, Taylor isn’t just words; she indeed is proud and never backs down from expressing her fulfillment in Dylan. And with Dylan stepping into his 20s, there are more such moments to come!