Nebraska adds key weapon in Dylan Raiola with SEC wide receiver transfer

Things have been much tougher at Nebraska than some might have expected for second-year head coach Matt Rhule. Historically, Rhule has made significant strides in his second season in the programs, but the Cornhuskers are just 6-6 this year – just one win better than last season. There is progress, however, as Nebraska is in a bowl game for the first time since 2016.

Rhule now has an opportunity to deliver the Cornhuskers their first winning season in eight years. Looking ahead, there is already excitement for 2025, especially with quarterback Dylan Raiola poised to make a jump at second. To help Raiola take the next step, Nebraska needed to bolster its supporting cast.

On Tuesday, Raiola got a big boost with Kentucky wide receiver Dane Key committing to Nebraska out of the transfer portal, according to ESPN’s Max Olson.

Key, ranked as no. 10 overall player and no. 4 wide receiver in the transfer portal of 247Sports, it brings impressive credentials. Over three seasons at Kentucky, he amassed 126 receptions for 1,870 yards and 14 touchdowns, finishing as the program’s fifth-leading receiver in school history. Key is coming off a career-high 715-yard season in 2024, far surpassing Nebraska’s leading receiver Jahmal Banks, who had 508 yards this season.

Key’s decision to choose Nebraska over other suitors may have been influenced by his connection to Daikel Shorts Jr., his former receivers coach at Kentucky, who recently joined Rhule’s staff in Lincoln.

This addition is exactly what Raiola and the Cornhuskers needed as they aim to take a significant step forward. Key’s presence gives Nebraska a dynamic offensive weapon and positions them as a potential contender in the evolving Big Ten landscape.