PHOTO: Dylan Raiola's brother Dayton Raiola shares an adorable picture with siblings following his commitment

By Aman Sharma

Modified Sep 23, 2024 18:25 GMT

Dayton Raiola, the younger brother of Nebraska star quarterback Dylan Raiola, committed to the Cornhuskers on Sunday. Dayton, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 205 pounds, becomes the Huskers’ first recruit for the 2026 cycle.

After posting about his commitment, the quarterback also shared a heartwarming photo alongside his siblings in the same Instagram post, marking the special occasion. He captioned the image:

"THE LEGACY CONTINUES🌽🎈#OHANA."

Having frequently visited the university since Dylan’s commitment, Dayton has been a regular presence on campus. He attended events such as the spring game and Nebraska’s victory over Colorado in Week 2. Reflecting on his July visit, Dayton told On3:

“Felt great to be back on campus again! Every time I go there, the motto doesn’t change from anybody, especially the coaches! Got to spend some good time with Isaiah Mozee too, and he was awesome to be around. It was a fun little trip, did a scavenger hunt but also got to talk some ball."

For the Raiola family, Nebraska football holds deep significance. Dominic Raiola, the brothers’ father, was a two-time All-Big 12 player for the Cornhuskers from 1997 to 2000, before moving on to a successful 14-season NFL career with the Detroit Lions. His uncle, Donovan Raiola, is the Cornhuskers’ current offensive line coach.

While Dayton Raiola is just beginning his first season as the starting quarterback for Buford High, he decided not to delay his college decision.

“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.”

Dayton Raiola follows family footsteps, commits to Nebraska as first 2026 recruit

With his recent commitment, Dayton Raiola is the newest member of the Raiola family to choose Nebraska football.

Taking over for his older brother Dylan at Buford High School, Dayton became Nebraska’s first pledge in the 2026 recruiting class. Reflecting on his family's deep football ties to the Cornhuskers, Raiola told 247Sports:

"What excites me most about following the legacy is that I get the opportunity to carry it on. All the way from my dad, to my uncle, to my brother and now me."

Dayton Raiola praised Nebraska's pro-style offense, which he believes will help him achieve his ultimate dream:

"I love that it is a pro-style offense that goes under center, goes in the gun, and they run a real NFL pro style offense. I feel like that will get me ready and prepare me for my dream, which is to play in the NFL."

In his first season starting at Buford High, Raiola has thrown for 564 yards and four touchdowns in just four games. He turned down offers from Appalachian State and Charlotte in favor of Nebraska.

Dayton Raiola, who holds a three-star rating, is ranked as the No. 53 quarterback nationally and the No. 55 overall prospect in Georgia for the 2026 class, according to 247Sports.