Dayton Raiola: 247| Highlights| Brother| Ranking

Who Is Dayton Raiola?

Dayton Raiola is a promising high school quarterback from Buford, Georgia, in the recruiting class of 2026, who has drawn significant attention because of his family’s strong ties to Nebraska football. He is the younger brother of Nebraska starting quarterback Dylan Raiola, and his father Dominic Raiola was a standout lineman at Nebraska, while his uncle Donovan Raiola serves as Nebraska’s offensive line coach.

247Sports Profile & Recruiting Ranking

• According to 247Sports, Dayton is rated as a three-star prospect.

• He initially committed to the Nebraska Cornhuskers on September 22, 2024, choosing them over offers from Appalachian State and Charlotte.

• His announcement carried a clear sense of legacy: “THE LEGACY CONTINUES. #OHANA #COMMITTED,” he wrote on social media.

Playing Style & Highlights

• Left-Handed QB: Unlike his brother Dylan, Dayton throws with his left hand, giving him a different look and style.

• He’s known for a smooth throwing motion and a strong arm capable of making deep, accurate throws.

• Though not an ultra-explosive runner, he brings mobility, making him more of a dual-threat than a pure drop-back passer.

• During his junior season at Buford, he recorded 1,953 passing yards, threw 19 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions, according to College Football Network.

Family Legacy: Brother, Dad, and Coach

• Brother: Dayton’s older brother, Dylan Raiola, is already the starting quarterback for Nebraska.

• Father: Dominic Raiola played center at Nebraska, was a two-time All-Big 12 selection, and spent 14 seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions.

• Uncle: Donovan Raiola, Dominic’s brother, is currently Nebraska’s offensive line coach.

• Sister: His sister, Taylor Raiola, works in Nebraska’s recruiting department.

This family connection makes his recruitment particularly compelling: for Dayton, committing to Nebraska wasn’t just about football, but also about continuing a legacy.

Recent Developments: Decommitment

• In a surprising move, Dayton decommitted from Nebraska in November 2025, reopening his recruitment just weeks ahead of the early signing period.

• According to Sports Illustrated, this decision has sparked speculation: is it due to depth at the quarterback position in Lincoln (with Dylan, true freshman T.J. Lateef, and other QBs in the mix)?

• His decommitment raises broader questions about the Raiola family’s future and how Dayton views his path forward.

Recruiting Rankings Snapshot

Outlook & Potential

Dayton Raiola’s trajectory is intriguing for several reasons:

1. Legacy Decision: His family history with Nebraska gives him a unique bond with the program — not just as a recruit, but as part of a multi-generational story.

2. Skill Set: With his left-handed throw, mobility, and strong arm, he offers a slightly different profile than his brother, potentially giving Nebraska flexibility.

3. Recruiting Reset: Now that his recruitment is open again, he could explore opportunities where he feels he can compete for playing time, grow, and step out of his brother’s shadow.

4. High Ceiling: He has shown flashes of leadership and production in high school, and with further development, he could become a key quarterback prospect for power programs.

Conclusion

Dayton Raiola is more than just Dylan Raiola’s younger brother: he’s a young quarterback with talent, legacy, and a potentially bright future. His decommitment from Nebraska makes his next move all the more interesting — will he return to his family roots, or chart a new path where he can start carving out his own legacy?