Pete Thamel: Nebraska 'expecting a commitment' from five-star QB Dylan Raiola
Nebraska swiping Georgia commit Dylan Raiola appears more likely by the day. On Tuesday, during an appearance on “College Football Live,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel provided an update on the five-star quarterback’s situation.
“It looks like we’re on the cusp of the biggest flip of flipping season,” Thamel said. “Dylan Raiola, who had been committed to Georgia, and was previously committed to Ohio State, appears to be in line to commit to Nebraska.”
Nebraska was in the race when Raiola initially committed to Georgia. Thus, a flip wouldn’t be as last-minute as it may seem. Raiola’s fall semester ends on Dec. 20 and he will be eligible to begin practicing with his collegiate program the day after their respective bowl game.
Additionally, Raiola boasts strong families ties with the Cornhuskers. Raiola’s father played there in college. Further, his uncle — Donovan Raiola — is currently on Rhule’s staff as the offensive line coach and recently received a contract extension.
Thamel believes Raiola’s decision could be just around the corner.
“I was told last night that Nebraska’s coaches reached out to Daniel Kaelin, who was their quarterback commitment for this upcoming cycle in 2024. He’s a local kid from Bellevue West. And they said, basically, they were expecting a commitment from Raiola,” Thamel continued.
“Therefore, they were giving Kaelin the option to stay and they guaranteed his NIL and his scholarship, but they wanted to let him know he would have company in this upcoming class. Again, it’s never done until it’s done in recruiting. But, it looks like Dylan Raiola may be a Cornhusker and we’ll find out in the upcoming days.”
Kaelin is a three-star quarterback and the No. 745 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. In comparison, Raiola is a five-star prospect and the No. 17 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle.
More competition for Dylan Raiola
Raiola is not the only quarterback Nebraska is currently recruiting. A huge name out of the transfer portal was recently in Lincoln for a visit, with Ohio State‘s Kyle McCord considering the Huskers.
Why would Raiola commit to Nebraska with McCord ahead of him? Sean Callahan of On3’s Husker Online broke it down.
“If Kyle McCord comes to Nebraska, you can still play Raiola in up to four games,” Callahan said. “There is a lot that makes sense that would allow Matt Rhule to continue to build this team and this roster where, by 2025 when Raiola would theoretically have his opportunity, it would be a more stocked Big Ten team. And more recruits would look that way when you have a guy like Raiola waiting in the wings and McCord there right now if that plays out that way.”