Dylan Raiola is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about prospects in college football. The Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback boasts a gifted arm and sharp football IQ, but what’s grabbing headlines is his striking resemblance to Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes-and yes, Mahomes has noticed.
Raiola began attracting attention in his rookie year with the Huskers. In 13 starts, he completed 275 of 410 passes for 2,819 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His season debut was especially impressive: 243 passing yards, 33 completions on 42 attempts, and two touchdowns.
That game was memorable not just for Nebraska’s 20-17 win over the Cincinnati Bearcats, but also because Mahomes was in the stands, watching alongside his friend and former Bearcat, Travis Kelce.
Mahomes reacts: “It’s cool, honestly”
From hairstyle to throwing mechanics, the resemblance between Raiola and Mahomes is hard to miss. While Raiola has denied intentionally mimicking the three-time Super Bowl champion, fans aren’t convinced it’s just a coincidence.
Mahomes, for his part, is flattered. Speaking last September, he said:
“It’s cool, honestly. I was that guy. I grew up watching players.”
The two have even trained together.
“I know Dylan-I trained with him in the offseason,” Mahomes added. “Great kid, a great football player, and I think he’s going to make his own mark on the game. And I think you’ve seen that early in his career.”
Chiefs take off for Brazil
Mahomes left the stadium before the final whistle, later explaining on social media that he had to return home for parenting duties. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are gearing up for their first-ever regular-season game in Brazil on September 5.
Kansas City will face the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo as part of the NFL’s international slate. Raiola won’t be tagging along this time, but you can bet he’ll be watching closely-perhaps picking up a few more Mahomes-like moves along the way.
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