3 thoughts on Dayton Raiola’s commitment to Nebraska football

There wasn’t any recruiting news expected on Sunday night for Nebraska football, but the Huskers got some good news all the same as 2026 quarterback Dayton Raiola committed to Matt Rhule’s program.

Dayton is the younger brother of current Nebraska football start Dylan Raiola. He’s listed as 5-foot-11, 225 pounds, and is unranked according to the 247 Sports composite rankings in the 2026 class.

Raiola earned an offer early in the tenure of Matt Rhule. Once his brother committed, it seemed logical that he would follow. However, Raiola hadn’t played much until he became the starter for Buford, a high school powerhouse program in Georgia.

THE LEGACY CONTINUES🌽🎈#OHANA #COMMITTED pic.twitter.com/Ti7yd4tOTU

— Dayton Raiola (@DaytonRaiola) September 22, 2024

Dylan played there last season and Buford is 4-0 under Dayton Raiola so far this season. There weren’t any crystal balls or anything — just a commitment on social media — and here are three thoughts.

Smart to bet on another Raiola

Dayton isn’t a five-star prospect like his brother. Nebraska football is the only power-4 program to offer him right now. However, that was likely to change and still could.

According to ESPN, Raiola has completed 72.2 percent of his passes this season for 967 yards and eight touchdowns to go along with two interceptions. Those are solid numbers but the Huskers are betting on his upside and bloodlines.

They are also probably betting he’ll get a little taller. However, he’s got great bloodlines, a live arm, and by the time he signs with Nebraska, I’m sure he’ll be ranked.

This was a smart take by the coaching staff, even if it does raise some questions.

What about Michael Clayton?

It wasn’t that long ago that top-400 quarterback Michael Clayton was projected to the Huskers. It was after the Colorado game. Yet, there was just one expert projection and there weren’t any crystal balls that followed.

I don’t see the Huskers taking Clayton and Raiola. You never know, but that’d be a surprise. It feels like the Huskers might be settling a bit, but that’s how things tend to work out in quarterback recruiting.

They were behind the 8-ball a bit. Most major programs have 2026 commitments at quarterback already, so it was smart of the Huskers to take Raiola, but some might not like if it means giving up on Clayton.

Dayton’s passion for Nebraska is easy to see

With Dylan Raiola, Daniel Kaelin, TJ Lateef, and now, the commitment of Dayton Raiola, Nebraska football is in a good spot at the quarterback position.

There is young talent behind the current starter and Dayton gives the Huskers another arm to develop for the future. You might wonder why he’s joining what will be a crowded room but when read what he told Husker Max about his commitment, you’ll get it.

“I feel like I would be making a mistake if I didn’t go to Nebraska,” Raiola said. “On top of my brother and uncle being there, my sister works in recruiting there now, and my dad was an All-American there. The coaching staff at Nebraska really has shown me real love and I can feel it every time I go up there.”

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