Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola Faces Social Media Scrutiny for Resembling Patrick Mahomes

Raiola has been compared to Mahomes in the way he dresses, plays and for sharing the same jersey number.

Dylan Raiola in a red Nebraska uniform with number 15 on the field, surrounded by people and media.
Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images

Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola became the center of conversation on social media during his squad's matchup, with many believing he's trying just a little too hard to resemble Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes was on hand August 29 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City when Raiola and the Cornhuskers took on the Cincinnati Bearcats.

The social media chatter surrounding Raiola actually began before the game even started as video of him arriving to Arrowhead went viral. Many pointed out just how similar Raiola looked to Mahomes, even down to what he chose to wear to the game.

Video shows Raiola entering the stadium wearing all black and sporting a haircut similar to Mahomes. He also wore large sunglasses much like those Mahomes typically wears when he's off the field.

Raiola's play on the field has also been the source of comparisons on social media—he's a mobile quarterback with a strong arm and has an ability to keep defenders guessing while extending plays.

Memes created on social media comparing Raiola to Mahomes during the game went crazy, with one showing a video of Mahomes chatting with his wife and the comedic caption, "He’s explaining to his wife how far the restraining order says Dylan Raiola has to stay away from him."

Another user reposted a clip of Raiola entering the field with his team while Mahomes watched from the sidelines and captioned the post, "It’s actually concerning."

Raiola, who also wears the same jersey number 15 as Mahomes, has addressed the comparisons in the past, saying, "I can't get mad at God for making me look like him."

However, Raiola has also said he wants to work to establish his own reputation in football.

Raiola and the Cornhuskers went on to beat Cincinnati 20-17. Raiola finished with 243 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

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