Nebraska suffered a significant setback on the recruiting trail Wednesday.
Three-star Buford (Georgia) quarterback Dayton Raiola, who is the younger brother of starting quarterback Dylan Raiola, announced he has decommitted from Matt Rhule and Cornhuskers just weeks before National Signing Day.
Raiola had been committed to Nebraska since September 2024, choosing the Huskers over a few other FBS schools. The 6-foot-1, 225-pounder told Rivals’ Chad Simmons that his “recruitment is 100% open,” a late-cycle decision that immediately makes him one of the top uncommitted quarterbacks in the 2026 class. He is ranked No. 1602 nationally and No. 99 among quarterbacks, according to Rivals.
A two-year starter for Georgia powerhouse Buford, Raiola has thrown for more than 3,600 yards and 43 touchdowns over the past two seasons while leading the Wolves to a Class 6A semifinal appearance as a junior.
His departure adds to Nebraska’s growing concerns in the 2026 cycle. Rhule’s program holds just nine commitments, which is the fewest in the FBS and dead-last in the Big Ten. Raiola is the fourth decommitment from the class, which leaves the Huskers likely turning to the transfer portal before the start of the 2026 season.
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