Dylan Raiola on Mahomes Comparisons: ‘I Can’t Get Mad at the Hype’—But Is It Fair to Dismiss Lamar Jackson?

In the world of college football, comparisons can often become a double-edged sword.

For Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, being likened to Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes is both a compliment and a challenge.

“I can’t get mad at the hype,” Raiola recently stated, acknowledging the weight of such expectations.

As he prepares for his upcoming season, Raiola understands the significance of these comparisons but also recognizes the unique pressures they bring.

Meanwhile, the conversation surrounding another elite quarterback, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, has taken a more critical turn.

On a recent episode of ESPN’s First Take, analysts Ryan Clark and Stephen A. Smith discussed the narrative surrounding Jackson, suggesting that his regular-season achievements are overshadowed by his postseason failures.

Clark stated, “We can’t live in the moment with Lamar Jackson anymore,” a sentiment that has sparked considerable backlash, particularly from those who support Jackson.

Former Ravens editor and writer Sarah Ellison took to The Vault podcast to defend Jackson, arguing that it’s disingenuous to dismiss his talent and contributions simply because he hasn’t yet won a Super Bowl.

“Why not enjoy what he brings to the game?” Ellison challenged.

She pointed out that the unfair treatment of Jackson is not unique to him; it’s a recurring theme in sports.

“People get tired of greatness after a while,” she added.

Ellison drew parallels to other athletes who have faced similar scrutiny, such as LeBron James and even Mahomes himself, suggesting that the narrative often shifts as fans and analysts grow fatigued with consistent excellence.

This brings us to the curious case of Patrick Mahomes.

Just prior to Super Bowl LIX, Mahomes was widely regarded as a potential GOAT (Greatest of All Time).

However, following the game, many analysts quickly reassessed their rankings, with some even labeling him as “massively overhyped.”

Skip Bayless, a well-known sports commentator, went as far as to say that Mahomes’ recent performances have been “shockingly ordinary” compared to his previous standards.

“Over the last two regular seasons, he finished eighth in QBR,” Bayless noted, dismissing Mahomes’ accomplishments as merely average.

He further criticized the Chiefs’ offensive performance, pointing out that they ranked 15th in points scored in both of the past two seasons.

“Isn’t that pretty ordinary?” Bayless asked, seemingly undermining Mahomes’ status as the league’s best.

Despite these criticisms, Mahomes remains unfazed.

He has made it clear that he values team success over individual accolades, stating that he would gladly trade personal awards for more Super Bowl victories.

This mindset exemplifies the mentality of a champion, one who prioritizes the ultimate goal of winning championships rather than seeking validation through personal achievements.

As Raiola navigates the pressures of being compared to Mahomes, he can learn from the experiences of both Mahomes and Jackson.

While the scrutiny of Jackson’s postseason performances may seem harsh, it also highlights the immense expectations placed on elite quarterbacks.

In a league where success is often measured in championships, the pressure to perform can be overwhelming.

However, as Ellison pointed out, it’s essential to appreciate the greatness of these players in the moment, rather than allowing preconceived notions to cloud our judgment.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, it will be interesting to see how both Mahomes and Jackson respond to the ongoing scrutiny.

Will they rise to the occasion and silence their critics, or will the weight of expectations continue to loom over their performances?

For Raiola, the comparisons to Mahomes may serve as motivation to carve out his own legacy, reminding him that greatness is often accompanied by both praise and skepticism.

In the end, the debate over who deserves respect and recognition in the world of football will continue, but one thing is clear: the spotlight on these quarterbacks only intensifies as they strive for greatness.