Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola has emphatically dismissed rumors linking coach Matt Rhule to the vacant Penn State job, declaring Rhule is “locked in” at Lincoln due to his commitment to the program and his family’s deep roots in the community.
The college football world has been buzzing with speculation, but Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola is cutting through the noise with a clear message: Head Coach Matt Rhule isn’t going anywhere. Amid swirling rumors linking Rhule to the newly vacant Penn State Nittany Lions job, Raiola publicly and passionately defended his coach, assuring fans that Rhule is committed to building a long-term dynasty in Lincoln.
The Rumor Mill: Why Matt Rhule and Penn State Were Linked
The catalyst for the speculation came after James Franklin was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions following a 3-3 start to their 2025 season, including an 0-3 run in Big Ten play. As Penn State embarked on a national search for a replacement, Matt Rhule’s name quickly emerged as a prominent candidate. The reasons are multifaceted and deeply rooted in Rhule’s past.
Rhule has strong historical ties to Penn State, having walked on as a linebacker under coaching legend Joe Paterno from 1994 to 1997. He also briefly served as a volunteer assistant for his alma mater. Furthermore, Rhule maintains a close professional relationship with current Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft, who was instrumental in hiring him at Temple in 2012.
Despite these connections, Rhule has never held a major coaching role at Penn State. His current success at Nebraska, transforming the Cornhuskers into one of the Big Ten’s most improved programs, has made him a highly attractive figure in any coaching search. Currently, Nebraska boasts a 5-1 record, a significant turnaround that has seen them rejoin the AP Top 25, as reported by USA TODAY Sports.
Raiola’s Assertive Declaration: “He Ain’t Going Nowhere”
On Tuesday, October 14, Dylan Raiola, who is in his second season as Rhule’s starting quarterback, addressed the persistent rumors with unwavering confidence during a media availability. His statement was unequivocal: “That’s our head football coach and he ain’t going nowhere,” Raiola said, adding, “He’s staying right here. It doesn’t really matter what he says. His wife loves it here, she has her business going and all that stuff. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t. He ain’t going nowhere.”
This goes beyond a simple denial; it’s a powerful endorsement from the team’s most prominent young player, signaling deep trust and commitment within the program. Raiola emphasized that the external chatter doesn’t impact their focus. “It doesn’t faze him at all. It’s just some people stirring stuff up and making things better than it is,” Raiola stated. “I couldn’t tell you, he’s as locked in as ever on this football game (against Minnesota) to get this win.”
The player’s statement was reinforced by Rhule himself. On Monday, October 13, Rhule addressed the speculation directly, saying, “I absolutely love it here. I want us to continue to take the steps needed for us to turn this thing into a beast. … I’m really happy here.” While acknowledging his affection for his alma mater, he made it clear his priority lies with Nebraska, according to Yahoo Sports.
The Implications for Nebraska and Penn State
For Nebraska fans, Raiola’s comments are a huge relief. They underscore the strong bond between coach and quarterback, a crucial element in the Cornhuskers’ resurgence. Under Rhule, Nebraska’s offense is averaging 450 yards per game, ranking No. 27 nationally—a significant improvement from previous seasons. This development, particularly Raiola’s growth, solidifies Rhule’s reputation as a program builder capable of revitalizing struggling teams.
Meanwhile, for Penn State, the coaching search continues. While Rhule was undoubtedly a strong candidate given his alumni status and successful track record, Raiola’s firm declaration, combined with Rhule’s own statements, makes it clear that he is not actively pursuing a move. The Nittany Lions will need to explore other options on the coaching carousel. The financial implications of a coaching change are also significant, with Franklin’s buyout being a hefty sum, and Rhule’s contract at Nebraska including a $5 million buyout if he were to resign before January 1, as reported by Newsday.com (via Article 3).
Looking Ahead: The Road for the Cornhuskers
With the rumors seemingly put to bed, Matt Rhule and his Cornhuskers can fully focus on their season goals. They are heading into a crucial matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Friday, October 17. A win in this game would make Nebraska bowl eligible for the second consecutive season under Rhule, marking another significant milestone in their rebuild.
The ironic twist for both programs is that Nebraska is scheduled to travel to Happy Valley to face Penn State in the second-to-last weekend of Big Ten play on Saturday, November 22. This game, now loaded with extra narrative weight, will be a must-watch for fans on both sides, eager to see how the season unfolds for the teams involved in this coaching drama.
