Report: Nebraska back in contention for 5-star QB Dylan Raiola, would honor commitment of 2024 QB Daniel Kaelin
Nebraska is back in the hunt for Buford (Ga.) five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola. On3 learned Monday that the Cornhuskers are making a late push for Raiola’s commitment in an attempt to flip him away from Georgia.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the staff in Lincoln informed current Huskers commit, Bellevue (Neb.) West three-star quarterback Daniel Kaelin, that they are “again in contention” for Raiola but “made clear” that they would honor Kaelin’s commitment.
Kaelin pledged to the in-state Huskers on May 20 after decommitting from Missouri the day before — and five days after Raiola committed to Georgia.
Raiola has deep ties to Nebraska, who was very much a factor in his recruitment after decommitting from Ohio State in December of last year. Dylan’s father, Dominic, was a second-round pick out of Nebraska in 2001 as an offensive lineman. His uncle, Donovan, is currently Nebraska’s offensive line coach.
“Well, you know his uncle, Donovan Raiola, is the offensive line coach at Nebraska,” Nebraska insider Sean Callahan said about Nebraska working to flip Raiola on Monday. “He was the only coach retained from the Scott Frost coaching staff. The offensive line played well this year and things are really strong, I think, with Matt Rhule and Donovan Raiola. So it looks like his position is solid in Lincoln with this coaching staff.
“But you know, the Raiola family came to a game again this year in Lincoln. They were on the sideline for a home game, and they did that last year as well. You just didn’t think much of it in that he’s committed to Georgia, he moved to Buford, Georgia to be closer to his new school. So nobody could’ve really thought that this would all come out.”
Raiola also took a pair of spring visits to Lincoln before pledging to the Bulldogs.
“Nebraska is Nebraska,” Raiola said in January. “My dad went there, so Nebraska is family to my family. It is a program with a lot of history. A lot of great players have played there and Nebraska is special to my family.”
Raiola is the nation’s No. 17 overall prospect and No. 3 quarterback in the 2024 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Dylan Raiola Scouting Summary
“Advanced arm talent with the ability to make a wide variety of high-level throws as a high school signal-caller. Was identified as a top arm talent and quarterback in the 2024 cycle early on in his high school career. Physically developed at around 6-foot-3, 220 pounds with a 9.75-inch hand. Has continued to add mass later on in his high school career. Owns a natural, loose throwing motion with arm dexterity to deliver off-platform and from multiple arm slots. Showed a deep catalog of throws as a sophomore. Easily drives the ball to all levels of the field. Showed off one of the cycle’s best deep balls at the Elite 11 Finals. Played both under center and in the shotgun as a junior.
“Ahead of the curve as a ball-handler and in the quick passing game. Shows good footwork and awareness in the pocket. Capable of creative plays in the face of pressure. Completed 64% of his passes for 2,287 yards (8.7 yards per attempt) and 21 touchdowns against 5 interceptions as a junior. Primarily a pass-first quarterback as a junior, not running for many yards and finishing with -92 yards rushing – an anomaly for a top quarterback prospect. Will need to show more mobility and playmaking ability and up his overall play as a senior. Can let his throws hang at times. Transferred to his fourth high school prior to his senior season. The son of 14-year NFL center Dominic Raiola. Also a standout baseball player as a pitcher and catcher early in his high school career.”