Nebraska’s freshman standout has shown his dedication to the program by stating that he plans to stay, even if it means missing out on millions in NIL deals.
Now, head coach Matt Rhule has the chance to reward Raiola, especially after a surprising family decision led a Nebraska connection to exit the transfer portal. On New Year’s Day, Texas A&M junior wide receiver Noah Thomas announced he would be leaving the Aggies.
Standing at 6-foot-6, Thomas was Texas A&M’s top receiver in 2024, racking up 39 catches for 574 yards and eight touchdowns, which is a significant setback for head coach Mike Elko. However, his departure could work in favor of Rhule and Raiola.
Thomas’ father, Will, played defensive back at Nebraska in the 1990s, and his uncle, Broderick Thomas, was a prominent defensive lineman for the Huskers. Broderick was selected sixth overall in the 1989 NFL Draft after an outstanding college career, achieving unanimous All-American honors and being named to the Nebraska All-Century team. He played 144 games in the NFL, amassing 47.5 sacks during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Dallas Cowboys.
These family connections may prove vital in Nebraska’s efforts to secure a commitment from the four-star transfer prospect, who originally chose Texas A&M over the Cornhuskers after high school.
Raiola, who started 13 games as a freshman for Nebraska, helped the team achieve a 7-6 record, culminating in a 20-15 win against Boston College in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl. However, the 19-year-old would benefit from stronger support next season, as Nebraska currently lacks a reliable big-bodied threat in the red zone, a position Thomas could fill if the recruiting effort is successful.
That said, bringing Thomas on board won’t be simple, as elite programs like Texas, Miami, and Georgia are also vying for the talented receiver.
Raiola himself could have explored lucrative NIL opportunities had he decided to enter the transfer portal this winter. Being one of college football’s top recruits, he is highly marketable and ranks 25th in On3’s NIL rankings, with many players ahead of him moving to the NFL. A program in need of a quarterback might have presented him with an attractive NIL package. However, Raiola opted to remain at Nebraska, influenced by his strong family ties—his father, Dominic, played college football for the Cornhuskers and had a long career as an NFL offensive lineman.
At the end of the regular season, Raiola confirmed his commitment to Nebraska, stating he never entered the transfer portal or considered leaving, despite the circulating rumors.
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