LINCOLN, Nebraska (WOWT) – As head coach Matt Rhule left the field after practice on Wednesday – after it was announced on the Nebraska football team’s social media – he informed freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola that he would start in the Huskers’ season opener against UTEP. The 19-year-old’s presence in the pocket and his ability to bring all the pieces into play when he’s under center ultimately won Raiola’s battle for the quarterback spot.

“I think Dylan has outstanding arm strength. He understands all the checks in the run game. He understands the whole RPO game. He understands situational football. And I really think he’s improved his footwork in the pocket, which has been one of the most important things,” Rhule said.

Raiola’s replacement will be junior Heinrich Haarberg. Rhule hinted that Haarberg may have opportunities to play different positions, but the second-year head coach didn’t want to give too much away.

“Heinrich, in my opinion, could be a great safety. He could probably be a great linebacker, too. He’d be a great tailback, wide receiver and tight end. And so we have the ability to use him if needed,” Rhule said. “At the same time, I don’t want to lose my second quarterback because he took a leap. So that’s a fine line. But we’re not going to play out of fear this year. We’re not going to play like we’re wondering, ‘What if this goes wrong?'”

When Raiola takes the first snap against the Miners on Aug. 31, the Husker replacement will become just the second true freshman quarterback in program history to start a season opener. The last time that happened was in 2018, when Adrian Martinez was the starting quarterback in the first game of the year against Colorado.

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