Are Patrick Mahomes and Dylan Raiola related? Nebraska QB copying Mahomes' ritual

Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY

Since becoming a starter in 2018, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has led the NFL in yards (28,582), touchdowns (222), and wins (75) in the regular season. He's also won three Super Bowls, two MVPs, and three Super Bowl MVP awards, and the Chiefs have built a dynasty with him and head coach Andy Reid.

Now he's inspiring another generation of quarterbacks — notably a true freshman in Nebraska.

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Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola has gone viral for his play on the field and his resemblance to Mahomes. He also wears No. 15, has a similar haircut, and has a strikingly familiar pregame warmup.

Here's what to know about the Mahomes-Raiola connection.

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Who is Dylan Raiola?

Raiola was a five-star recruit out of Buford High School in Georgia and the No. 2-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2024. He's the son of longtime Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola.

Raiola verbally committed to Ohio State in May 2022 before recommitting to Georgia. In December 2023, he flipped his commitment again and chose Nebraska. He's starting as a true freshman for the Cornhuskers.

Are Patrick Mahomes and Dylan Raiola related?

They are not. Mahomes referred to Raiola as "Lil cuzzo" on X in August from a highlight of Raiola's touchdown pass in the second quarter against UTEP but they are not related.

Mahomes has spoken highly of Raiola while reminiscing about athletes he looked up to when he was young.

"It's cool, honestly," Mahomes said in a news conference before Week 1. "I was that guy. ... I loved Alex Rodriguez, played shortstop, and would try to make plays just like him. I know Dylan, I trained with him in the offseason. He's a great kid, a great football player, and I think he's going to make his stamp on the game and I think you've seen that early in his career."

Raiola won't join Mahomes in the NFL until the 2027 season at the earliest.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patrick Mahomes-Dylan Raiola connection: Comparing the QBs

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