The Nebraska Cornhuskers had a disappointing 2023 season in Matt Rhule’s first year at the program, missing out on a bowl game with a 5-7 record on the year. However, it looks like there are better times ahead for the program, particularly thanks to Dylan Raiola, the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the 2024 high school recruiting class.
Raiola had originally committed to play for the Georgia Bulldogs next season, which isn’t exactly shocking considering the college football powerhouse that Georgia has become.
However, Raiola made the shocking move to flip his commitment, instead committing to play for Nebraska under Matt Rhule next season. ESPN’s Pete Thamel first broke the news on social media.
NEWS: Top quarterback recruit Dylan Raiola (@RaiolaDylan) told ESPN he’s switching his college commitment to Nebraska from Georgia. He’s the highest-ranked recruit — No. 8 overall in ESPN’s rankings — to pick Nebraska since ESPN began ranking high school players in 2006. pic.twitter.com/20pKClyumt
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 18, 2023
Raiola explained the decision further in a statement to Thamel, stating that a big reason for his decision was to follow in his father’s footsteps. Dominic Raiola, his dad was a former Dominic All-American lineman at Nebraska.
“I firmly believe that Nebraska is in my blood,” Raiola told Thamel. It’s a great opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself. Nebraska is a special place.”
Raiola follows his father, Dominic, a former All-American lineman at Nebraska and he valued the family legacy. “I firmly believe that Nebraska is in my blood,” Raiola told ESPN. “It’s a great opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself. Nebraska is a special place.” https://t.co/ac0KpWicVw
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 18, 2023
It’s a massive addition for a Nebraska team that desperately needs a new influx of young talent. And fans had plenty to say about the move on social media.
A massive get for Nebraska
The biggest recruit to join the program since @_willcompton https://t.co/70lwZLxFMp
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 18, 2023
Simple… ball out for 1 year with absolutely no pressure like there would be at Georgia to win the natty. Then next year be the #1 coveted player in the portal and get an absolute bag somewhere https://t.co/uspHfoAHgk
— Andrew Crooks (@crooks_andrew) December 18, 2023
Nebraska coming in at the last minute https://t.co/mikmLxwbuT pic.twitter.com/oXBONLA3Zt
— William Qualkinbush (@QualkTalk) December 18, 2023
And there it is, baby!!
The new era of Husker football is officially underway. LFG https://t.co/yRilI0xKCZ
— Danny Burke (@dannyburke5) December 18, 2023
Huge news in both the college and high school football world!
The #1 QB in the country is on his way to the BIG10! https://t.co/rb9oMEvuQc
— Leighton Glodek (@LGlodek) December 18, 2023
THERE IT IS!!!! Christmas is here Husker nation!! Who’s next?! 🚨😤 https://t.co/9H9FoHer0A
— Rhuler of Husker Nation (@RHULEROFNEB) December 18, 2023
It can obviously be argued whether this move is a smart one for Raiola. On one hand, playing at a school like Nebraska over Georgia clearly comes with far less pressure, and could be a great place for him to develop.
However, when you succeed at a place like Georgia, people take notice. And that could lead to him becoming one of the biggest stars in the sport.
One factor that likely played into this decision is that Matt Rhule has made his mark working with quarterbacks in the past, which could help Raiola develop into one of the country’s best collegiate quarterbacks.
Only time will tell whether this is the right move for Raiola. Nonetheless, it is a massive announcement that shakes up not only the future of Nebraska’s football team but the college football landscape entirely.
