Why Fans Call Dylan Raiola the “Baby Mahomes” — His Surprising Connection to Patrick Mahomes Revealed

Dylan Raiola, the talented sophomore quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, has garnered attention not only for his impressive on-field performance but also for a viral nickname: “Baby Mahomes.” This moniker pays homage to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champion, and highlights the growing comparisons between the two quarterbacks.

Raiola’s Rise at Nebraska

In 2024, Dylan Raiola led Nebraska to its first bowl game appearance in seven years as a freshman, showcasing his potential as a rising star in college football. As he prepares for his second season as the Cornhuskers’ starting quarterback, the comparisons to Mahomes continue to dominate discussions among fans and analysts alike. Interestingly, Raiola’s first start of the 2025 college football season will occur at Arrowhead Stadium, the home field of Mahomes and the Chiefs.

Origins of the ‘Baby Mahomes’ Nickname

The nickname “Baby Mahomes” stems from both Raiola’s physical resemblance to Mahomes and his desire to emulate the two-time NFL MVP’s playing style. Raiola, standing at 6-foot-3, is the son of former Nebraska and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Dominic Raiola. His resemblance to Mahomes was first noted during Nebraska’s fall camp last season when a photo of Raiola sporting a goatee, sunglasses, and a similar hairstyle surfaced on social media, drawing immediate comparisons.

The connection deepened when Raiola was seen wearing similar sunglasses during the Cornhuskers’ season opener against UTEP. His performance during that game, particularly his first career college touchdown pass, caught Mahomes’ attention. The Chiefs quarterback responded to a clip of the touchdown pass on social media with the caption, “Lil cuzzo!!” Raiola expressed his excitement about the acknowledgment, stating, “It’s pretty cool to be noticed by a guy like Mahomes. He’s probably going to go down as one of the greatest.”

Further Comparisons and Interactions

The comparisons intensified during Nebraska’s Week 3 contest against Northern Iowa, when Raiola was caught on camera impersonating Mahomes’ signature pregame warmup. This playful imitation further solidified the connection between the two quarterbacks.

Adding to the intrigue, Mahomes revealed that he and Raiola had a pre-existing relationship, having trained together in the offseason. “I know Dylan; I train with him in the offseason. He’s a great kid, a great football player,” Mahomes said during a media availability in September 2024. He expressed confidence that Raiola would carve out his own legacy in the sport.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule also acknowledged the comparisons, noting that he immediately saw similarities between Raiola and Mahomes during their first workout together. Rhule texted his recruiting coordinator, remarking on the resemblance.

Here’s a side-by-side photo of the two quarterbacks:

Celebrating with the Chiefs

The connection between Raiola and Mahomes reached a celebratory peak during the AFC Championship Game, where Raiola was spotted in the Chiefs’ locker room after their victory. In a light-hearted moment captured on social media, Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco shared a video of Raiola and Mahomes laughing together, humorously stating, “That ain’t Pat,” highlighting the fun camaraderie between the two.

Dylan Raiola’s Freshman Stats

In his debut season, Dylan Raiola completed 275 of 410 passes, achieving a completion rate of 67.1%. He threw for 2,819 yards, recording 13 touchdowns against 11 interceptions while taking 27 sacks. His performance earned him a QBR rating of 63.8, ranking him 54th among Division I quarterbacks.

Conclusion

As Dylan Raiola embarks on his second season with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the comparisons to Patrick Mahomes are likely to continue. With his impressive skills and the viral nickname “Baby Mahomes,” Raiola is poised to make a significant impact in college football, while also capturing the attention of fans eager to see how his career unfolds.