Jalyn Gramstad, “Grandad’ of Nebraska quarterbacks, has moved up the depth chart and developed a key mentoring relationship with Husker starter Dylan Raiola.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are no strangers to legendary quarterback play, but the latest twist in their 2025 QB room has fans buzzing. Five-star freshman phenom Dylan Raiola has reportedly pushed for the return of Jalyn Gramstad, a 70-year-old former Husker quarterback and current NAIA national champion coach, to mentor Nebraska’s young signal-callers. The move is being called a “time machine” addition—blending decades of wisdom with raw, modern talent in what could be the most fascinating QB dynamic in college football.
Who Is ‘Grandad’ Gramstad?
Jalyn Gramstad isn’t just any old-school QB—he’s a living bridge between Nebraska’s past and present. A former walk-on in the 1970s, Gramstad later became a star at Concordia University before embarking on a legendary coaching career. In 2023, he led Northwestern College (Iowa) to an NAIA national championship as their offensive coordinator, proving he still knows how to develop winning quarterbacks. His knowledge of option football, play-action schemes, and quarterback leadership is exactly what Raiola and the Huskers’ young guns need.
Why Dylan Raiola Wants Him Back
Raiola, the crown jewel of Nebraska’s 2024 recruiting class, has been vocal about learning from those who’ve mastered the game. Gramstad’s experience—both as a player in Nebraska’s golden era and as a coach who adapts to modern offenses—makes him a rare mentor.
“He’s seen it all—option football, pro-style, RPOs,” Raiola said in an offseason interview. “When you talk to him, it’s like getting a cheat code from 50 years of football.”
Gramstad’s influence could be especially crucial for Raiola’s development in Matt Rhule’s pro-style system, which demands precision, toughness, and football IQ—all traits Gramstad has spent decades teaching.
A ‘Time Machine’ for Nebraska’s Offense
Nebraska’s QB room is loaded with youth, including Raiola, Daniel Kaelin, and Heinrich Haarberg. Gramstad’s presence would provide something no modern coach can replicate: firsthand knowledge of Nebraska’s glory days and how to win with discipline, toughness, and adaptability.
“He’s like a walking encyclopedia of quarterback play,” said an anonymous Nebraska staffer. “The way he breaks down defenses is like something from the 1980s, but it still works today.”
Gramstad’s potential role could range from formal coaching consultant to an unofficial mentor, but his impact would be undeniable. Imagine a 70-year-old former option QB teaching Raiola how to read defenses like Tommie Frazier or manage a game like Scott Frost while also helping modernize his skills for today’s game.
The Bigger Picture: Nebraska’s Return to Dominance?
This isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about winning. Nebraska’s offense has struggled with consistency for years, and Raiola believes Gramstad’s wisdom could be the missing piece. If Gramstad can instill old-school discipline while helping refine Raiola’s elite arm talent, the Huskers might finally have the QB play needed to compete for a Big Ten title.
“It’s not about living in the past,”** Gramstad said in a recent interview. **”It’s about taking what worked then and applying it now. Football is still about outsmarting and out-toughing your opponent.”
The Verdict: Genius or Gimmick?
Some might see this as a quirky storyline, but Raiola’s push for Gramstad’s involvement suggests a deeper strategy. In an era where college football is dominated by spread offenses and flashy stats, Nebraska might be betting on a return to fundamentals with a 70-year-old mentor helping lead the way.
If it works, this “time machine” experiment could be remembered as the moment Nebraska’s QB play returned to championship form. And if nothing else, it’s one of the most fascinating coaching additions in recent memory.
