Many people believe that Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola emulates Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes in almost every way. From their arm angles and footwork to their off-platform throws and ability to create under pressure, the comparisons are everywhere.
Both quarterbacks have a natural flair for improvisation, a calm presence in the pocket, and a tendency to make the impossible look routine. Raiola, still early in his college career, has drawn attention for mimicking Mahomes’ mechanics and even his confidence.
And let’s just be honest, the similarities are eerie and hard to ignore.
1. Both Wear No. 15
Whether it’s a coincidence or a tribute, Dylan Raiola chose the same jersey number Patrick Mahomes has worn throughout his NFL career. “I wore 15 when I was, I mean, my first year of football,” recalled Raiola. The visual connection is instant, and it only builds from there.
2. Same Hairstyle
Slightly curly, brushed up, and styled for that casual-yet-polished athlete look. “I’ve had this haircut since sixth, seventh grade, maybe, and I didn’t know Mahomes then,” Raiola said. “I had my own little kick to it, so I mean, it’s not completely like him.”
3. Same Fashion Sense
Raiola is often seen in designer streetwear, bold sneakers, and accessories, much like Mahomes on and off the field. Furthermore, Raiola likes to sport a headband just like the Chiefs QB. And let’s not forget about the same sunglasses and the goatee.
4. Both Wear Red Jerseys
Mahomes with the Chiefs, Raiola with Nebraska clad in red. The bright color only adds to their standout presence. Instead of brushing the comparison off, Mahomes welcomed it, saying it reminds him of his past, “I loved Alex Rodriguez’s play shortstop and would try and play just like him and do stuff like that.”
5. Both Wear One Arm Sleeve on Gameday
Patrick Mahomes usually sports a black sleeve, while Dylan Raiola often wears a white one, earning Raiola the nickname “Baby Mahomes”.
6. Both Their Tight Ends Got Engaged Recently
Raiola’s tight end, Luke Lindenmeyer, got engaged to Kailyn Storovich on the field after a Nebraska game, while Mahomes’ star tight end, Travis Kelce, also recently got engaged to Taylor Swift. Both of their tight ends getting engaged created off-field buzz and added another odd similarity.
7. Both Are of Mixed Ethnicity
Mahomes’ father Pat Mahomes Sr. is black, and his mother, Randi Martin, is white, while Raiola’s father is of Polynesian descent and his mother is of European descent.
8. Both of Their Fathers Were Professional Athletes
Mahomes’ dad, Pat Mahomes, was an MLB pitcher for over a decade, while Raiola’s dad, Dominic Raiola, played 14 seasons in the NFL as a center for the Detroit Lions.
9. Both Played Baseball Growing Up
From their childhood to adulthood, Mahomes and “Baby Mahomes” have seemed to follow a similar routine. Raiola laughed it off, saying, “Everybody wants to be like, you want to be like him, and all that stuff,” said Raiola. “It just so happen, he play baseball, I play baseball, he play quarterback, I play quarterback.”
10. Share the Same Offseason QB Coach
Jeff Christensen is their common QB coach, renowned for developing dynamic, mobile passers. Christensen has worked extensively with NFL star Patrick Mahomes and now trains Dylan Raiola, helping him refine his mechanics, footwork, and pocket presence in preparation for the next level.
11. Follow the Same Pregame Routine
Both Raiola and Mahomes are used to stretches, warm-ups, and mental preparation habits. Also, Raiola has impressed fans by running to the endzone, jumping, and screaming in a manner that matches Patrick Mahomes’ routine.
12. Raiola Wiggles His Fingers While Playing like Mahomes
In a recent game, Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola flashed Mahomes’ trademark finger wiggle before a snap, part playful tribute, part show of confidence, that quickly went viral and sparked debate about its meaning. Fans were split between believing it was a sign to inspire his teammates, while others believed it was an imitation of Mahomes.
13. Born In Texas
Mahomes was born in Tyler, and Raiola in Dallas. Texas, a football powerhouse, helped shape both athletes’ competitive edge early in their lives and careers.
14. Share the Same Personal Photographer
It’s also intriguing that Raiola and Mahomes have the same photographer, Heather Smith, who captures their training and behind-the-scenes moments.
He documented Raiola’s recent youth football camp in Lincoln, where Raiola “It means the world to me. This is kind of surreal to have this moment with these kids.”
15. Lastly, they have the same build.
Lastly, their builds are nearly identical, with Mahomes at 6’2”, 225 pounds, and Raiola at 6’3”, 229 pounds, making the comparison even harder to ignore.
From visuals to routines, heritage to coaching, Dylan Raiola and Patrick Mahomes share an unusual number of traits. Whether it’s admiration, influence, or just a strange coincidence, the similarities are stacking up fast.