Dylan Raiola, the No. 8 recruit in 2024, transfers from Georgia to Nebraska.
Raiola’s pledge represents a potential seismic shift in Nebraska football fortunes, as he is the highest-ranked high school prospect to choose the Cornhuskers since ESPN began monitoring rankings in 2006, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Raiola is placed eighth in the 2024 ESPN 300.
In a phone conversation Monday, Raiola explained how his lifelong connection to Nebraska football influenced his decision. Dominic, his father, was an All-American offensive lineman at the institution, and Donovan, his uncle, is the offensive line coach.
“I firmly believe that Nebraska is in my blood,” Raiola said to ESPN. “This is an incredible opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself.” Nebraska is a unique place.”
Raiola has been linked to three schools during his recruitment process. In early May 2022, he committed to Ohio State, only to decommit and pick Georgia in May 2023.
The Bulldogs learned on Monday that quarterback Carson Beck, who went 12-1 in his first season as a starter, will return for his senior season in 2024.
Raiola believes there is an attraction to perhaps returning grandeur to the Cornhuskers after a seven-year bowl absence that has spanned three head coaches. Nebraska has five national championships and three Heisman Trophy winners in its history.
“I think it’ll mean a lot to bring it back,” remarked Raiola. “Just because of the legacy of so many great players who have walked through that locker room — to keep doing what they established.” ” Just the Nebraska football program’s history.” It is not simply another program.”
The switch to Nebraska is a significant milestone in Matt Rhule’s tenure, as he ended 5-7 in his first season. Nebraska suffered inconsistency at quarterback this season, despite having the nation’s No. 126 passing offense and No. 120 scoring offense. The Cornhuskers finished in the top 20 in scoring defense, rush defense, and total defense.
Rhule also coached at Temple and Baylor and spent three seasons as an NFL coach before returning to Nebraska. He left a lasting impression on Raiola.
“I believe from my dad being there, I understand the history of the program,” Raiola went on to say. “I also understand my family’s legacy, as well as the fan base and aspirations there.” “I firmly believe in the vision and culture that Coach Rhule has instilled in his team.”
Raiola attended high school football in both Texas and Arizona before transferring to Buford High School in Georgia this summer. In his final season, he threw for 2,666 yards, 34 touchdowns, and only one interception.
Raiola intends to enroll at Nebraska early and arrive on campus in January. He paid a weekend visit, with the outside assumption that he would eventually commit there.
“I went up there with an open mind,” stated Raiola. “I think it was just another chance to be around the entire coaching staff and really understand Coach Rhule’s vision and culture and what he wants Nebraska to be.” He realizes it himself. That is enormous. He can incorporate that into his teaching style and interactions with his athletes.
“… I’ve noticed how his guys gravitate around him. He genuinely cares about the person and guy you are developing into. He utilizes football as a platform to help you grow as a man. That is what distinguishes him the most. He gets the most out of them because he has great ties with them.”
Raiola has spent his entire childhood supporting the Cornhuskers, as his father won the Remington Award as the greatest center in college football in 2000 and was named first-team All-America. He was also a finalist for the Lombardi (best lineman) and Outland (best interior lineman) awards.
Dylan Raiola, when asked who his favorite Cornhusker player was as a kid, stated he “rooted for the whole team.”
“That speaks volumes about how much it meant to my father.” “My father instilled that legacy in me,” Raiola explained. “He learned a lot of what he’s instilled in me and everything he’s taught me growing up from his time at Nebraska.”
While there is no clear starter at quarterback for 2024, Nebraska has eschewed bringing in a high-profile quarterback through the NCAA transfer portal. Raiola stated that he is excited to compete this spring and understands that nothing will be provided to him.
“You have to go in and earn your stripes and compete and fall in line with what guys established last year,” Raiola went on to say. “You’re still in your first year. You must pay attention to everyone in front of you. That’s what makes it so lovely.”
When asked to write the perfect script for his Nebraska career, Raiola admitted that it will not be linear, but he is looking forward to the adventure.
“I don’t think there’s a perfect vision of what it’s going to be,” he added. “There will be ups and downs….” I can’t tell you what it will be, but it will be a lot of fun.