Matt Rhule has never been a coach who leaves things to chance. From body composition to bus schedules, every detail matters, and his Nebraska program reflects that obsession. Remember how, seven months ago, Dylan Raiola’s weight nearly led to a meltdown in Nebraska? Matt Rhule grudgingly acknowledged it, underlined with a subtle flak. “[Dylan Raiola] is really working on his body composition. He won’t be a great quarterback at 240 lbs, right?” After that, Dylan worked hard on his training and nutrition regimen and “came back about nine or 10 pounds lighter.” It was an early glimpse of how uncompromising Rhule can be about physical readiness.

Now, as the Huskers prepare for their road test against Maryland, that same precision governs their travel. “Nebraska coach Matt Rhule is admittedly high maintenance on paying attention to every detail in game travel,” The Athletic’s Mitch Sherman shared on X. On their ride to the Byrd Stadium in Maryland, the staff will bring along their own chefs for the road. Moreover, Nutrition Director Kristin Coggin will be accompanying them, who will reach Maryland a day before the players. In addition to that, to make sure the players remain fit during the travel, Mitch Cholewinski, director of sports science, will be handing out “Firely Recovery pulsing devices to each to use on their legs during the trip.”

The coach knows that the team’s success hinges on Raiola’s development, and he’s determined not to risk his ‘three-year charm’ if Dylan’s weight limits his mobility on the turf this season. During the offseason, Rhule had stated. “So getting his body composition to where he can be fleet of foot, slide nimbly, and move within the pocket—where he can convert third downs with his feet—that’s something we’re all bought into, and he has to continue to do.” However, when Rhule publicly addressed the quarterback’s weight, some felt his comments were too harsh for a young player still adapting to the college level.

Athletic’s Mitch Sherman stated it straight, “First of all, it’s only 10 pounds heavier than what Dylan [Raiola] is listed on the roster…For some people, it’s just not as easy to maintain 220 pounds at 6’3.” Raiola’s weight also has to do with his genetics. Coming from a family that played offensive linemen, he is bound to inherit that physique. But during practice drills, offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen made sure Raiola stuck to his regimen.

Dana Holgorsen makes Dylan Raiola do a lot of scrambling

As a freshman, the QB, who stood tall at 6’3, weighed 230 pounds. But an additional 10 more pounds, and the CFB went spiraling. Although Rhule apologized for his remarks, stating that it was miscommunicated. But the crux of the situation remained that Dylan needed to work on his weight. And he did. “I don’t eat a lot these days,” he said per CBS Sports in September. He revealed that he had shed 15 pounds since last season.

Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen shared that to make sure Dylan Raiola remains pretty active and mobile outside the pocket, they’d limit his throws. “We do a lot of scrambling with him, whether it’s boots or nakeds or just him getting out of the pocket extending plays.” His increased run game is a contributor to that change. Running seven yards per game as compared to only four yards last season played its part. “I see that really advanced right now, just compared to what it was last year; don’t throw this one, you need to scramble this one,” Dana added.

But maintaining his weight wasn’t a cakewalk. “If I’m being honest, it sucks,” Raiola had shared. “I’m just being honest. It’s a constant grind every day. Sometimes, you don’t see change right away; It’s just the consistency of staying on it and keep going.”

As the Huskers leave for Maryland on Thursday, Rhule’s meticulous preparation will once again be on full display, proving that control is culture in Nebraska.