Farewell to Dylan Raiola: Patrick Mahomes Praises NCAA QB He Can’t Hide | NFL Wires
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Patrick Mahomes calls Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola “my lil cuzzo,” praising his Mahomes-style throws and influence. Discover how this NCAA prospect is shaping up with NFL-level guidance.
A Nebraska Freshman Turning Heads
The college football world first took notice when Nebraska freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola stepped onto the field, mirroring Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes both in style and play. Mahomes, clearly impressed, publicly praised the young QB—marking a high-profile endorsement that’s hard to ignore.
How It All Began: "Lil Cuzzo" Goes Viral
Raiola’s arrival at Nebraska camp sparked instant attention. With that familiar #15, curly hair, headband, and mirrored visor, he looked uncannily similar to Mahomes. Prompting the reaction “that’s my lil cuzzo”, Mahomes’ playful nod went viral. setting the stage for a mentor‑protégé narrative.
Style, Substance, and Side‑Arms
Beyond the visuals, Raiola emulated Mahomes’ playmaking: off-platform deliveries, sidearm throws, and uncanny improvisation. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule confirmed this intentional modeling . Mahomes even light-heartedly admits Raiola’s tribute makes him feel “a little old”
Mahomes Isn't Just Playing Along—He's Investing
What makes this dynamic special is authenticity. Mahomes clearly respects Raiola:
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Sidearm TD praise: “Lil Cuzzo!!” exclaimed Mahomes after seeing Raiola’s 59‑yard touchdown pass in his debut.
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Mentorship hinted: SI reports Mahomes is training with Raiola in the offseason.
This isn’t a fleeting celebrity shout‑out—Mahomes is showing public support for the next generation.
What This Means for Raiola’s Future
With a build similar to Mahomes (6’3″, 230 lbs) and natural athleticism, Raiola already impressed enough to make Nebraska bowl‑eligible for the first time since 2016 . Being mentored by a two‑time Super Bowl MVP won't hurt his NFL draft stock.
Expect NFL scouts to keep a close eye, especially given Mahomes’ backing—it often translates to long-term interest in training habits, leadership, and decision-making.
The Nebraska Reboot?
Raiola’s impact isn't just about comparisons. His early performances (2–0 start, strong stats) and visible confidence—combined with Mahomes’ public praise—could revitalize Nebraska’s offense and attract top recruits.
Nebraska fans haven’t seen this kind of QB hype since the mid‑2000s. A legitimate Mahomes-style weapon under center is already fueling excitement.
Is Raiola Becoming His Own Man?
Raiola himself says the look and style aren’t purely mimicry: “I’ve had this haircut since sixth grade… it's not completely like him,” he explained.
And Mahomes agrees: “I think he’s going to make his own stamp on the game” The pairing feels natural: admiration without imitation, growth without pressure.
What’s Next?
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Spring/Summer: Expect more joint training insights—Mahomes mentoring in passing camps, mechanics tweaks, and NFL preparation.
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2025 Season: Can Raiola replicate early promise? A breakout year would confirm Mahomes’ investment was more than hype.
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NFL Draft Watch: Scouts will look for Mahomes-like intangibles—but also evidence of identity: timing, accuracy, leadership.
Final Take from NFL Wires
What started as viral attention has turned into an authentic NFL‑to‑NCAA connection. Dylan Raiola isn’t just impersonating Patrick Mahomes—he’s inspiring him. If the relationship continues, Raiola could evolve from "Mahomes clone" to genuine NFL prospect.
Keep it locked to NFL Wires for updates on this mentorship, performance analysis, and what this means for both Nebraska and the future of quarterback play.
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