You can scream into the void all you want about what-ifs and five-star pedigree, but there’s no sugarcoating it: the Huskers said goodbye to a talent who looked every bit the future NFL guy on his best throws. Raiola had the arm talent that makes defensive coordinators lose sleep. His ability to layer and touch throws was unbelievable at times. That’s a real loss for the program. Frankly, it feels like a boot to the family jewels.
But here’s the part where the rose-colored glasses come off – this split might’ve been the healthiest thing for both sides.
Raiola was a quiet leader – good kid, no doubt – but he got tossed into the fire maybe a little too soon. Immobile in the pocket, slow to diagnose after the snap, weak deep ball and holding the ball too long. The raw talent was undeniable, but the development wasn’t clicking at the pace Nebraska needed. Sometimes the fit just isn’t there, no matter how shiny the recruiting ranking.
Enter Anthony Colandrea, the former Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year out of UNLV. This dude brings exactly what Dana Holgerson’s offense craves: mobility, experience, and a vocal, energetic presence. He’s not just standing back there waiting to take sacks when the pocket collapses, because when it does, he can make those off-script plays. Holgerson’s system rewards guys who can move and make quick decisions, and Colandrea fits like a glove.
Behind him? The future looks spicy.
You’ve got TJ Lateef and Daniel Kaelin, both of whom went through the Elite 11 as high school studs. They’re still raw and need reps – nobody’s pretending they’re polished veterans to this point in their careers– but the upside is massive. Athletic, competitive, and showing real flashes. This isn’t a room full of one guy carrying the load anymore. It’s a genuine battle with different skill sets that should push everyone.
Overall, the 2026 Husker QB room feels healthier, more athletic, and way more vocal than it did a year ago. More complementary pieces for what Holgerson wants to do schematically. Less “one transcendent arm talent masking some issues,” more “group that can actually execute this offense.”
Look, time will tell if this all shakes out. Spring ball and fall camp will sort the pecking order. But right now? The vibes in Lincoln at the quarterback position feel refreshed.
Go Big Red. The reboot might sting at first, but it could end up being the right kind of pain.