Dylan Raiola’s new move confirms a troubling pattern that’s hard to overlook

Jason Jones

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Dylan Raiola’s new move confirms a troubling pattern that’s hard to overlook image

Former Nebraska five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola has committed to Oregon. While that will be a talking point for a while, it should not be surprising in the least.

Just like Arch Manning staying at Texas in 2026 wasn't surprising, neither should Raiola  leaving Lincoln. It was fun while it lasted. Now, on to the next stop.  

For much of Raiola’s time at Nebraska, the biggest non-football knock on him was he tried too hard to walk in Patrick Mahomes shadow. Some have even referred to Raiola’s pregame routine as “cosplaying” the former NFL MVP. Not hard to see when you're watching it side-by-side either. 


However, there is another concern that has shown itself when Raiola choose to be in the Pacific Northwest. One that will likely become an issue when Raiola decides to move on from college football. Even in a landscape where NFL talent evaluators do not turn their nose down at players who transfer, Raiola may be the exception to that rule. Leading to one question he may someday have to answer.

Is Dylan Raiola chronically dissatisfied?

Many think this narrative started when Raiola was committed to play for Georgia. That lasted long enough to bail at the eleventh hour and eventually flip to Nebraska. The SEC power moved on with Carson Beck yet to be in Miami. Huskers head coach Matt Rhule believes Lincoln is one of the best destinations in college football. While he might believe that there is not a college football spectator or analyst that believed flipping to Nebraska was not a backwards move.  

Raiola's move from Georgia to Nebraska still to this day was a head scratcher. The short answer is easy. Raiola became a legacy player when he flipped to Nebraska. Dylan’s father, Dominic Raiola, played in the NFL, but more notably was a Huskers player for his entire college career.

More: Fernando Mendoza's family ties to Mario Cristobal run deep with Miami homecoming

The issue is not that Raiola flipped from Georgia to Nebraska, or that he wanted to transfer from a mid Big Ten program. The issue is that Raiola transferring and moving track record has become alarming. NFL teams don’t penalize prospects for a move here or there as it’s the nature of the landscape. However, Raiola’s constant search for greener grass is more than a trend, and dates back much further than the three schools he's been involved with to date. 

Raiola has moved or transferred schools six times since 2021. Burleson HS to Chandler HS. Pinnacle HS to Buford HS-- that’s four high schools in two years. Follow the breadcrumbs and it's turned into something that can’t be anymore.

Eight schools in five years isn't a good look 

In 2022, Raiola committed to Ohio State. Later that same year, he decommitted from Ohio State. In 2023 Raiola committed to Georgia. Then decommitted from Georgia to commit to Nebraska. Two seasons later, Raiola commits to Oregon. That’s four high schools and four college commitments. Eight commitments in five years. Surprisingly enough, the two seasons he spent at Nebraska is the longest stretch he’s spent anywhere in the last six years.

Whether Raiola is always looking to greener pastures or simply a complicated six years we may never fully know. However, NFL teams don’t mind players who transfer, if the move makes sense. As in the case of Caleb Williams or Jalen Hurts. It’s a different story altogether when the moves or frequency don’t exactly make sense. 

More: CFB Fans roast Dylan Raiola after Patrick Mahomes' Oregon bet goes viral

For now, Raiola has committed himself to being at Oregon. When will that change? When Dan Lanning and the Ducks fail to advance in the College Football Playoff? It's hard to say what's about to happen, but it's going to be fun to watch. 

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Editorial Team