30 Facts About Dylan Raiola

Early Life and Family Background

Dylan Raiola's journey to football stardom began with a strong family foundation and early exposure to the sport.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on May 9, 2005, in Chandler, Arizona, Dylan Raiola is currently 19 years old (as of 2024).

2. Family Background: Dylan is the son of Dominic Raiola, a former NFL center who played for the Detroit Lions from 1997 to 2010. Dominic's legacy at Nebraska, where his jersey number 54 is retired, adds to Dylan's rich football heritage.

3. Godson of Matthew Stafford: Dylan's godfather is NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford, a former teammate of his father on the Detroit Lions. This connection has provided Dylan with unique insights into professional football.

High School Career

Dylan's high school career was marked by impressive performances and strategic moves that showcased his talent.

4. High School Career: Raiola started his high school football journey at Burleson High School in Texas. During his sophomore season, he threw for 3,341 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions, while also rushing for 9 touchdowns.

5. Transfer to Chandler High School: After his sophomore year, Raiola transferred to Chandler High School in Arizona. His junior year saw him pass for 2,435 yards and 22 touchdowns with 5 interceptions.

6. Transfer to Buford High School: For his senior season, Raiola moved to Buford High School in Georgia. He led the Wolves to an 11-2 record and the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.

7. Senior Season Statistics: In his senior year at Buford, Raiola completed 63% of his passes, throwing for 2,666 yards and 34 touchdowns with just one interception.

8. Career Statistics: Throughout his high school career, Raiola completed 566-of-881 passes (64.2 percent), throwing for 8,442 yards and 88 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions.

Elite Camps and Recognitions

Dylan's talent earned him invitations to prestigious camps and recognition in the football community.

9. Elite 11 Finals Participation: Raiola was invited to the Elite 11 Finals after a dominant performance at the Oregon Regional camp. Though he didn't win MVP, he was considered to have had the second-best all-around showing.

10. All-American Bowl and Polynesian Bowl Selection: Selected for both the All-American Bowl and the Polynesian Bowl, Raiola opted out of the former but participated in the latter, impressing with his long-ball throws.

11. Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year: Raiola was named co-recipient of the Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year award.

12. Maxwell Football Club National Player of the Year Semifinalist: He was also a semifinalist for the Maxwell Football Club National Player of the Year award.

Recruitment Journey

Dylan's recruitment journey was a rollercoaster, capturing the attention of top college football programs.

13. Recruitment Journey: Initially committed to Ohio State in May 2022, Raiola reopened his recruitment in December of the same year. By January 2023, he had narrowed his choices to Georgia, Nebraska, Oregon, and USC.

14. Commitment to Georgia: On May 15, 2023, Raiola committed to the University of Georgia.

15. Flip to Nebraska: However, on December 18, 2023, he switched his commitment to the University of Nebraska, signing with the Cornhuskers on December 20, 2023.

16. Recruiting Star Ratings: Raiola is a consensus top 10 recruit in the 2024 class, with recruiting star ratings of Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 91.

College Career and Future Prospects

Dylan Raiola's college career is set to begin with high expectations and strong family ties to Nebraska.

17. Physical Attributes: Raiola stands at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 220 pounds (100 kg).

18. NIL Package: The Georgia coaching staff had given Raiola his first offer and made him their No. 1 priority. They also put together a substantial NIL package for him, influencing his decision to commit to Georgia.

19. Relationship with Georgia Coaches: Raiola had a long-standing relationship with the Georgia coaching staff, contributing to his initial commitment. He became a regular fixture at home games and was the leader of Georgia's top-rated class.

20. Visit to Nebraska: Despite his commitment to Georgia, Raiola visited Nebraska with his family in late September 2023 to support his younger brother Dayton, who holds a Husker offer. During this visit, Matt Rhule had a cordial conversation with Dylan, respecting his commitment to Georgia and acknowledging Nebraska's move to Daniel Kaelin.

21. Senior Season Leadership: At Buford High School, Raiola led the team to an 11-2 record and the quarterfinals of the state playoffs. His performance earned him recognition as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.

22. College Career: Raiola is set to begin his collegiate career as a starting true freshman quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 2024 season. This move is significant, as it is generally reserved for a school's most highly touted players.

23. ESPN 300 Ranking: Raiola was ranked as the third-best quarterback and the 11th overall player in the 2024 ESPN 300.

Family Ties to Nebraska

Dylan's decision to join Nebraska is deeply rooted in his family's history with the university.

24. Family Ties to Nebraska: Dylan's father, Dominic Raiola, played as a center for Nebraska from 1997 to 2000. Dominic was a redshirt on the Huskers' 1997 national championship team and won the Rimington Trophy in 2000 as the nation's top center. His jersey number 54 is retired at Nebraska.

25. Uncle as Nebraska's Offensive Line Coach: Dylan's uncle, Donovan Raiola, is the offensive line coach at Nebraska, adding another layer of family connection to the university.

High School Performance and National Recognition

Dylan's high school performance and national recognition have set the stage for his promising future.

26. Impressive High School Performance: Throughout his high school career, Raiola demonstrated exceptional skills, completing nearly 8,500 career yards with 88 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions.

27. Elite Camp Performances: Raiola has been a standout at virtually every camp he has attended since hitting the circuit in 2021. His dominant performance at the Oregon Regional camp earned him an invite to the Elite 11 Finals.

28. National Recruiting Headlines: Raiola's recruitment was a major story in the national recruiting landscape. His decision to flip from Georgia to Nebraska generated significant attention and reaction from both schools and recruiting experts.

29. Family Support: Despite his high-profile recruitment, Raiola has maintained a strong family support system. His father and younger brother Dayton, who is also a quarterback prospect, have been instrumental in his journey.

30. Future Prospects: With his impressive high school career and commitment to Nebraska, Dylan Raiola is poised to make a significant impact in college football. His exceptional skills, combined with his strong family ties to the sport, make him a promising prospect for the future.

Dylan Raiola's Bright Future

Dylan Raiola's journey from high school standout to college recruit has been nothing short of impressive. With a strong football heritage, including his father Dominic Raiola's NFL career and his godfather Matthew Stafford's influence, Dylan has all the support he needs. His high school stats, including nearly 8,500 career yards and 88 touchdowns, speak volumes about his talent. The decision to commit to Nebraska, where his uncle coaches, adds a personal touch to his college career. As he steps onto the field for the Cornhuskers, fans eagerly await his performance. With his skills, leadership, and family ties, Dylan Raiola is set to make a significant impact in college football. Keep an eye on this young quarterback; his future looks incredibly bright.