Dayton Raiola Flips Commitment from Nebraska to Oregon, Following Brother Dylan’s Path
In a move that’s making waves across the college football recruiting landscape, quarterback Dayton Raiola has officially decommitted from Nebraska and announced he’s heading west to join Oregon’s 2026 class. The younger brother of current Ducks quarterback Dylan Raiola, Dayton’s decision adds yet another layer to the growing pipeline of top-tier talent heading to Eugene.
This isn’t just a family reunion-it’s a strategic shift that could have major implications for both programs. Dayton, a promising signal-caller in his own right, had been one of Nebraska’s most high-profile commits in the 2026 cycle. But now, the Cornhuskers will have to regroup as they lose a key piece of their future under center.
The Raiola name carries serious weight in college football circles. Dylan, once the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit, made headlines when he flipped from Georgia to Nebraska, only to later land at Oregon. Now, with Dayton following suit, the Ducks are doubling down on a quarterback lineage that’s loaded with upside and pedigree.
For Oregon, this is a major recruiting win. The Ducks continue to stack talent under center, and adding Dayton to the mix gives them yet another dynamic option for the future. While he’s still developing, Dayton’s tools are clear: a strong arm, solid mechanics, and a football IQ that’s been sharpened by growing up in a football-first family.
For Nebraska, it’s a tough pill to swallow. The Huskers had put significant stock in Dayton’s commitment, hoping he’d be a foundational piece of their rebuild.
Losing him to Oregon-especially after Dylan’s departure-stings. It’s a reminder of how fluid the recruiting game can be, particularly when family ties and program trajectories come into play.
Make no mistake, this isn’t just about bloodlines. Oregon’s recent success in building a high-powered offense and developing quarterbacks clearly played a role here. The Ducks have become a destination for elite QBs, and with Dylan already entrenched in the system, it’s easy to see why Dayton would want to follow that path.
The Raiolas are now set to become a rare brother tandem in the same quarterback room at a Power Five program. That’s not something you see every day. While it remains to be seen how their timelines will align on the field, the potential for mentorship, competition, and continuity is intriguing.
As for Nebraska, the focus now shifts to what comes next. The Huskers still have time to recalibrate their 2026 recruiting strategy, but replacing a quarterback like Dayton Raiola won’t be easy. It’s a moment that tests the resilience of a program trying to claw its way back to national relevance.
In the end, this is a story about more than just one player switching schools. It’s about the ever-evolving nature of recruiting, the pull of family, and the momentum Oregon continues to build on the national stage.
The Ducks just got stronger. The Huskers just got a little lighter.
And the Raiola legacy? It’s heading full steam toward Autzen Stadium.