Former Ohio State Commit Dylan Raiola Enters Transfer Portal After Tumultuous Nebraska Stint
Back in 2023, Ohio State had what looked like the dream pairing for its future offense-Jeremiah Smith, the top overall recruit in the 2024 class, and Dylan Raiola, the No. 1 quarterback prospect. Smith stuck with the Buckeyes and has since delivered on the hype, emerging as a game-changing talent. Raiola, on the other hand, took a different path-one that’s now come full circle in a way few expected.
Raiola originally committed to Ohio State, but later flipped to Georgia. That stop didn’t last, either.
Eventually, he landed at Nebraska, a move that coincided with the program hiring a family member to the coaching staff. It was a headline-grabbing decision at the time, but fast forward to now, and Raiola is back on the move.
After a tough season in Lincoln-one where Nebraska struggled and Raiola’s debut against his former would-be team ended in a lopsided loss-he’s officially entered the transfer portal. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Raiola will look for a fresh start with two years of eligibility remaining, though the goal is clear: find a spot that can get him to the NFL in just one.
That next step will be crucial. Raiola’s betting on himself, hoping a change of scenery can help him reset the trajectory of a career that hasn’t quite lived up to its five-star billing so far. The talent is still there, but the production and consistency haven’t matched.
Meanwhile, Ohio State hasn’t missed a beat. Since Raiola’s decommitment, the Buckeyes have gone on to win a national championship and develop another star quarterback in Julian Sayin-who’s not only held down the job but earned Heisman finalist recognition along the way. Sayin’s rise has further solidified Ohio State’s quarterback pipeline, and there’s little reason to think that momentum is slowing.
As for Raiola, the next chapter will be telling. This transfer isn’t just about playing time-it’s about finding the right fit, the right system, and the right coaching to unlock the potential that once made him the most coveted quarterback in his class. Whether that happens will depend on where he lands and how much he’s grown from the detours along the way.
One thing is certain: the college football world will be watching closely.