We will have to wait another two weeks or so until we get to see a post game report of Dylan Raiola, but Dylan’s younger brother and Husker class of 2026 recruit Dayton did get his first Varsity start on friday and even though the play calling led to a slow start, it picked up when the playbook opened up. Just like his older brother, Dayton is suiting up for Buford Georgia this year. Buford is one of the top ranked high school football teams in the country and the #2 ranked team in Georgia. Unfortunately Raiola and the Buford Wolves fell 13-10 to #1 ranked Milton High in their season opener.
Dayton struggled in the first half, going only 2 of 4 with 15 yards passing. Calling just four passes in a half definitely seems like it could have something to do with Daytons abysmal numbers to begin the game. After a long half time that postponed the game due to weather, Dayton came out and attempted to rally his team to victory which inevitably fell short. Dayton ended the night going 7 of 12 for 105 yards. Buford High seemed to lean heavily on the run game and a stout defense, leading many to question the play calling in the second half. When given the chance Dayton made the most out of his attempts with two big plays, including one pass where Dylan Raiola’s younger brother escaped pressure and avoided a near sack to drop a 24 yard completion in double coverage to extend the drive.
As the season progresses I do believe Dayton will be cut loose on opposing defenses and will be given the opportunity to show us what this Husker recruit has in store. Daytons passing motion seems to replicate his brother Dylans, the changing arm levels while keeping good overall mechanics is tough to cover. His accuracy will only progress throughout the season, as they had a rough start having to face off against the #1 team in Georgia to begin the year. Dayton is larger in stature than older brother Dylan, and seems to be just as agile. While this Husker recruit is only a Junior in high school he still does have plenty of room for growth, but good football players seem to grow just fine in the Raiola household.
As Dayton Raiola continues his journey in Buford, Georgia we will be keeping an eye on this recruit and multi-generational Husker legacy. With continued work and offseason consistency we could see Dayton pop up as a 3 star recruit on most recruiting boards as early as this year, working his way into a four star by 2026 (His senior year). This could be very good news for Husker fans since Dayton is reportedly a bigger Nebraska fan than even his older brother and current Husker quarterback Dylan Raiola.
