They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

If that’s the case, then Nebraska starting quarterback Dylan Raiola has the utmost respect for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

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When watching the No. 15 behind center for Nebraska, you have to be careful not to confuse him with the best football player in the world. The one who lives in Kansas City.

Despite being a very good player in his own right and having untapped potential, the Cornhuskers’ freshman quarterback has taken his look to a whole new level.

From the number 15 to the same beard, curls, headband and mirrored sunglasses, Raiola is the ultimate Mahomes clone.

And don’t forget the same pre-game ritual.

The best quarterback of the 2024 class moved from Georgia to Nebraska last December and is now living up to his expectations in his first season while also creating a new feel-good atmosphere in Nebraska football.

With a 3-0 start and ranked No. 22 in the AP poll, the Cornhuskers are preparing for a big Top 25 matchup Friday night when they welcome Illinois and the 24th-ranked Fighting Illini.

This will be Nebraska’s toughest test yet, but thanks to Raiola, Cornhusker fever is at an all-time high.

If it works for Raiola to imitate Mahomes right down to the goatee, who can judge?

It may sound strange, but the 19-year-old has helped Nebraska get off to its best start since 2016.

Who cares if the kid is playing dress-up? It works for him, and more importantly, it works for his team.

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Anyone with even an eye for potential can see Raiola’s talent and creativity.

That should be the comparison between him and Mahomes. Not that they would make the same frog jumps.

Nebraska hasn’t played in a bowl game since the 2016 season mentioned above. Patrick Mahomes was a junior at Texas Tech.

It’s been a while.

Nebraska fans are allowed to have that. They don’t care who their quarterback wants to imitate.

If there’s anyone your quarterback should emulate, it’s probably the best on the planet.

Besides, even Mahomes doesn’t seem to mind.

“It’s cool, honestly. I was that guy,” Mahomes said before last Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

“I loved Alex Rodriguez, playing shortstop and trying to play just like him and do things like that. That helped me become the athlete I am (today).”

“That just tells me I’m getting old. There are these guys that step up and do some sidearm throwing stuff and stuff like that.

“I know Dylan, I train with him in the offseason. He’s a great kid, a great football player. I think he’s going to put his own stamp on the game and I think you saw that early on in his career.”

Raiola himself said that he was not doing it on purpose and was just trying to stay true to himself.

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“A lot of people think I try to be just like him, but honestly I grew up playing baseball and never liked football. I always wore glasses as a kid,” Raiola said at a press conference in August, as the comparisons went viral on social media.

“I’ve had this haircut since maybe 6th or 7th grade, and I really didn’t know anything about Mahomes back then. I have my own little kick, so it’s not exactly typical of him.

“I guess if that’s what people want to say, they can. The guy is one of the best, so it’s cool. I just try to play my own game and imitate my own.”

As the college football season progresses and Raiola continues to lead Nebraska to victories, the hype and comparisons become louder.

But as Raiola said, he doesn’t care.

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