Quarterback Dylan Raiola named semifinalist for postseason award

Dylan Raiola was a semifinalist for a freshman accolade on Wednesday.

Nebraska football quarterback Dylan Raiola was named a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of The Year Award on Wednesday. Raiola has recorded 1,921 passing yards, ten touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

He has struggled in recent weeks, however, throwing two touchdowns and five interceptions in his last five games. Nevertheless, he still has the potential to be one of the most dynamic freshman quarterbacks in college football.

He was impressive for the month of September, throwing for 986 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions. In the process, he helped propel the Huskers to a 5-1 start to the season.

It will be interesting to see how his season finishes. Raiola has the talents to help get the Huskers back on the right track and will be a building block for the future of the program.

Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.

Gators EDGE named to Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Preseason Watch List

LJ McCray was named Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List on Wednesday.

The Maxwell Football Club announced its Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Preseason Watch List on Wednesday and included Florida Gators five-star edge defender LJ McCray among the many notable names.

The blue-chipper led Mainland High School to its first state title in 20 years last fall and in 35 career games at the prep level, he amassed 133 tackles, 18 sacks and 62 tackles for a loss. As a result, On3 ranked him as the top player in the 2024 cycle at his position.

“McCray signed with the Gators as one of the most physically impressive high school prospects in the 2024 cycle,” ESPN’s Eli Lederman and Adam Rittenberg noted in their assessment of the talented true freshman.

“In his seven-plus months at Florida, McCray’s physical development has only bolstered confidence within the program that the five-star freshman can contribute this fall.”

About the award

The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award is an honor given each year to the most outstanding freshman player in college football. Named after Shaun Alexander since 2018, this award recognizes the exceptional performance and impact made by these players on their respective teams throughout the season.

The Alexander Award is dedicated to championing future legends and evaluates players based on talent, character, ambassador and legend.

The 37 players on the watch list will be narrowed down to 14 semifinalists on Nov. 6 and reduced to five finalists on Dec. 4. The winner will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 26, and the award will be presented on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Maxwell Football Club Awards ceremony.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.