Pete Thamel, ESPND18. December 2023, 5:21 p.m. ET
Dylan Raiola, ESPN's top pocket passing quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class, told ESPN on Monday that he is switching his college commitment from Georgia to Nebraska.
The decision marks a potential shift in the fortunes of Nebraska football, as Raiola's commitment makes him the Cornhuskers' highest-ranked high school recruit since ESPN began rankings in 2006, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Raiola is ranked 8th overall in the 2024 ESPN 300.
In a phone interview Monday, Raiola explained how his lifelong connection to Nebraska football contributed to his decision. His father, Dominic, was an All-American offensive lineman there and his uncle Donovan is the school's offensive line coach.
“I truly believe that Nebraska is in my blood,” Raiola told ESPN. “It's a great opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. Nebraska is a special place.”
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Nebraska is the third school Raiola has been linked to during his recruitment. He committed to Ohio State in early May 2022, only to decommit in May 2023 and choose Georgia.
The Bulldogs learned Monday that quarterback Carson Beck, who had a 12-1 record in his first season as a starter, will return for his senior season in 2024.
Raiola said there is an appeal to potentially help the Cornhuskers return to glory given the program's seven-year bowl drought that spanned three head coaches. Nebraska's history includes five national championships and three Heisman Trophy winners.
“I think it will mean a lot to bring it back,” Raiola said. “Just because of the legacy of so many great players that have passed through the locker room that was established there – to continue to do what they established.”
“…Just the history of the Nebraska football program. It’s not just another program.”
The move to Nebraska marks an important milestone early in the tenure of Matt Rhule, who finished his first season with a 5-7 record. Nebraska has had inconsistent quarterback play this year, with the No. 126 passing offense and No. 120 scoring offense in the country. The Cornhuskers posted top-20 rankings in scoring defense, rush defense and total defense.
Rhule previously had success as a coach at Temple and Baylor and spent three seasons as an NFL coach before returning to Nebraska. He made a strong impression on Raiola.
“I think having my dad there makes me understand the history of the program,” Raiola said. “I also understand my family heritage there and the fan base and aspirations. I firmly believe in the vision and culture that Coach Rhule has established with his staff.”
Raiola played high school football at both Texas and Arizona before transferring to Buford (Georgia) High School last summer. In his final season, he threw for 2,666 yards, 34 touchdowns and just one interception.
Raiola plans to enroll early at Nebraska and be on campus in January. He came to visit at the weekend with the external expectation that he wanted to get involved there at some point.
“I went there with an open mind,” Raiola said. “I think it was just another opportunity to be with the entire coaching staff and really understand Coach Rhule's vision and culture and what he has in store for Nebraska. He understands that himself. That's huge. He can translate that into his coaching style and the way he interacts with his players.
“…I noticed how drawn his players were to him. He truly cares about the person and the man you grow into. He uses the football platform to help you develop a man. That’s what makes him special.” He gets the best out of them because he has built strong relationships.
Raiola spent his entire life rooting for the Cornhuskers, as his father won the Remington Award as the best center in college football in 2000 and earned first-team All-America honors. He was also a finalist for the Lombardi (Top Lineman) and Outland Awards (Top Interior Lineman).
When asked who his favorite Cornhusker player was as a child, Dylan Raiola said he “supported the whole team.”
“That says a lot about how much it meant to my father. My father instilled this heritage in me,” Raiola said. “What he taught me and what he taught me growing up is that he learned a lot of it from his time at Nebraska.”
While there is no definite starting quarterback for 2024, Nebraska has avoided taking a high-profile quarterback out of the NCAA transfer portal. Raiola said he is eager to compete this spring and knows nothing will be given to him.
“You have to go in and earn your accolades, compete and stick to what the guys established last year,” Raiola said. “You’re still a newbie. You have to listen to everyone in front of you. That’s the beauty of it.”
When asked to write the perfect script for his career at Nebraska, Raiola acknowledged it won't be linear but said he's looking forward to the adventure.
“I don’t think there’s a perfect idea of what it’s going to look like,” he said. There will be ups and downs. … I can’t tell you what it’s going to be, but it’s going to be a lot of fun.”