Tommy Armstrong Jr. Breaks Silence: Opens Up on Dylan Raiola’s Rise and Matt Rhule’s Revival of Nebraska Football
LINCOLN, Neb. — Former Nebraska star quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. didn’t hold back when asked about the current state of Huskers football, offering candid praise for freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola and Head Coach Matt Rhule during a wide-ranging interview with Essentially Sports.
Armstrong, one of the most prolific quarterbacks in school history, praised Raiola for his maturity, poise, and rapid development under the national spotlight. “You can talk about pressure all you want, but Raiola’s handled it like a pro,” Armstrong said. “2,800+ yards, 13 touchdowns, and nearly 70% completions as a freshman? That’s not just talent, that’s leadership.”
The former QB also addressed the controversy surrounding Raiola’s weight and physical conditioning, which drew criticism from analysts early in the 2024 season. “People nitpicked his size and ignored his production. But Dylan didn’t let the noise faze him,” Armstrong added. “He kept his head down and worked. That’s what Nebraska football is about—grit and grind.”
Armstrong’s support didn’t stop at Raiola. He voiced strong confidence in Rhule’s vision and the Huskers’ trajectory under his leadership. “Look at what Rhule’s done. He turned around a program stuck in neutral,” Armstrong stated. “He brought in Dana Holgorsen to juice up the offense, and it paid off. That 7-6 record and Pinstripe Bowl win were no fluke.”
Rhule’s revamped staff, aggressive recruiting, and culture shift are already bearing fruit. The addition of Holgorsen injected creativity into the offense, while the defense tightened in key moments late in the season. “Rhule’s improving every year,” Armstrong declared. “Give him time, and Nebraska’s going to be feared again.”
With the 2025 season opener set for August 28 against Cincinnati, Armstrong believes this team is ready to make noise. “This isn’t just another rebuild,” he said. “This is the resurgence.”
As Husker Nation braces for the fall, Armstrong’s words echo a rising belief across Nebraska: the Big Red is coming back.
