2026 QB Dayton Raiola is starting his own recruiting process

Few high school freshmen have more recognized brothers than 2026 Phoenix (Ariz.) Pinnacle quarterback Dayton Raiola.

As the younger brother of 2024 No. 1 overall prospect Dylan Raiola, Dayton has gotten a firsthand look at the recruiting process very early on in his high school career. He accompanies his brother and the rest of his family on visits, and he gets to learn about schools across the country without the pressure of being recruited — yet.

Nebraska, the school where his dad starred as an offensive lineman and his uncle is the current offensive line coach, extended him an offer last fall. And while he still has a long ways to go in his high school career, that offer meant a lot to him.

History, family connections at Nebraska stand out

“The offer from Nebraska is very special,” he told On3. “It was a crazy feeling when I found out about it. My dad went there, my uncle is there, my brother is looking at them, and it is just cool to know I have the chance to go there. Every time we go to Nebraska, we see my dad’s name inside the stadium and it is a special feeling to have this offer.”

While their main focus may be on his brother, Dayton has gotten to know new Nebraska coach Matt Rhule and his staff well over the past few months. And he loves the interactions he gets not only with coaches and support staffers, but also with fans.

“As a recruit, I love the people,” he said. “The new coaching staff [at Nebraska] is awesome. Coach Rhule is a great man. I love talking ball with Coach Satterfield. The people at Nebraska is what is great. The coaches, the fans and the people around the school love Nebraska. I love the support Nebraska gets. It is crazy to think about all the sellouts and what Nebraska means to the fans there.

… Every time I am there, it feels special. My dad’s Rimington Trophy is in the facility. I know a lot of people there. My dad met some great people there that still care about him and Nebraska is just a great place.”

Dayton Raiola looks up to his big brother

While some younger siblings might feel slighted by all the attention someone like Dylan receives, no one is a bigger fan of his brother. The two get to talk about the visits they go on together, what Dylan is thinking about each school and wants his brother’s input, along with the rest of the family.

“I remember when Dylan got his first offer from Georgia. I was doing summer workouts in Texas. And he called me to tell me about the offer. I broke down into tears and I was so proud of him,” Dayton said. “We have always worked together. Seeing all the success he’s had and how he has been so humble about it, he has always been the best big brother.

… I am so happy for Dylan and what he is doing. Now I am working to have my time and my experience as a recruit.”

Other schools are intriguing to him

For the most part, Dayton has only gotten a chance to see the schools recruiting Dylan, but once his brother graduates in December and moves to college, he will get his chance to tour schools and begin his own recruiting process in earnest. A few programs stand out as ones he’d like to see.

“Other than Nebraska, since I was young, I have always liked Clemson,” he said. “Coach Dabo Swinney is a believer in Christ and that stands out to me. Oregon is a school I have liked growing up too. Since Marcus Mariota went there, with him being from Hawaii, that is cool.

… Every time we have been to Georgia, I have loved it. Coach Smart is so easy to talk to and such a great person. Coach Riley at USC is awesome too, and it has been awesome to sit in meetings with him.”

As for what he thinks will be important if and when he gets to the point of making a commitment decision, Dayton believes the relationships he builds along the way will be key.

“Relationships are going to be important,” he said. “I want to get to know the coaches. It is special to have a brother like Dylan where I get to go through this with him and be there for the experience. I am hoping to have this opportunity too and that would be really cool.”