Nebraska coach Matt Rhule made a statement about his program’s direction Saturday, choosing aggression over caution in the final seconds of the first half against Michigan.
With one second left and his team trailing 17-10, Rhule opted against taking a knee. Instead, he sent his offense back onto the field for one final play from near midfield.
Dylan Raiola delivered exactly what his coach was looking for.
The freshman quarterback connected with Jacory Barney Jr. on a 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown that tied the game at halftime. The throw showcased the arm strength that made Raiola a five-star recruit coming out of high school.
The Play That Changed Everything
Nebraska’s offense had struggled in the first quarter, wasting multiple scoring opportunities. Michigan had just taken momentum with a 75-yard touchdown run by Justice Haynes with under two minutes remaining in the half.
The Cornhuskers appeared ready to head to the locker room down seven points.
Raiola had other plans. He took his time in the pocket, surveyed the field and launched the ball toward the end zone.
HAIL MARY TOUCHDOWN TO END THE HALF!!!
RAIOLA TO BARNEY.
“Just like they drew it up” pic.twitter.com/BZcx5B2WS6
— CBS Sports College Football (@CBSSportsCFB) September 20, 2025
Barney came down with the ball among a crowd of players. The receiver quickly made a move to ensure he crossed the goal line for the touchdown.
The play sent Nebraska fans into a frenzy and completely shifted the energy heading into halftime.
Mahomes Comparisons Surface
College football fans quickly drew comparisons between Raiola’s throw and plays made by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Dylan Raiola got some of that Patrick Mahomes devil magic I see https://t.co/ZrD7nwzHlN
— DivaD4k (@D4DDYD4K) September 20, 2025
Dylan Raiola looks more like Patrick Mahomes than Patrick Mahomes does these days. https://t.co/ejdP4Wd3BE
— Black Beth Dutton (@Oh_Katie_Babie) September 20, 2025
The touchdown capped a strong first half for Raiola, who entered the locker room with 210 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Rhule’s decision to be aggressive rather than conservative provided exactly the type of moment Nebraska fans have been waiting to see in his tenure. The play demonstrated both the coach’s confidence in his quarterback and Raiola’s ability to deliver under pressure.
