The Raiola family name has become a powerful presence in Nebraska football circles, extending far beyond star quarterback Dylan Raiola. While Dylan commands attention on the field as the Cornhuskers’ signal-caller, his siblings Taylor and Dayton are making their own marks on the program in different but equally meaningful ways.
Together, they represent the next generation of a family deeply intertwined with Nebraska’s football tradition.
Dylan Raiola’s Family Ties Run Deep at Nebraska
The Raiola connection to Nebraska football is multi-generational and expansive. Dylan, the middle sibling and current Huskers quarterback, has already made an impressive impact through his first four games as a starter, completing 72.2% of his passes for 967 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions.
His decision to commit to Nebraska in December 2023 after previously committing to Ohio State and Georgia brought national attention to the program and sparked renewed hope among the fanbase.
The family’s Nebraska roots trace back to Dylan’s father, Dominic Raiola, who was an All-America center for the Cornhuskers before embarking on a 14-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions.
This legacy carries significant weight, as Dominic explained to ESPN: “When you wear your name on the back of your jersey and walk around town, your last name represents a lot of people, not just yourself. You are carrying the torch of a lot of people, wearing a coat with a lot of names on your back.”
Further strengthening these ties is Dylan’s uncle, Donovan Raiola, who currently serves as Nebraska’s offensive line coach after a stint with the Chicago Bears. “Family is everything for us,” Donovan has stated, highlighting the support system that has helped each Raiola sibling flourish in their respective paths.
Taylor and Dayton: Extending the Legacy in Different Ways
Taylor Raiola, the eldest sibling, brings her own athletic excellence to the Nebraska program.
A former TCU volleyball standout who graduated in 2024 with a degree in youth advocacy and education studies, Taylor now works as a graduate manager for recruiting with the Huskers.
During her volleyball career at TCU, she started 41 matches and became the first Horned Frog since 2005 to record a double-double in her collegiate debut. She consistently led the team in key statistical categories, carrying on the athletic tradition established by both parents, her father Dominic and mother Yvonne, who played water polo at Hawaii.
Meanwhile, Dayton Raiola, the youngest sibling, is carving his own path as a quarterback. Currently leading Georgia’s Buford High School with a 4-1 start in the fall of 2024, the left-handed signal-caller has already committed to Nebraska’s 2026 recruiting class.
Upon announcing his commitment, Dayton proclaimed on social media, “THE LEGACY CONTINUES #OHANA #COMMITTED.” Though not yet ranked in ESPN’s high school prospect rankings for 2026, Dayton’s development and family pedigree have generated significant interest among Nebraska faithful.
KEEP READING: Matt Rhule Details Dylan Raiola’s Growth this Offseason
Faith binds this football family together, with mother Yvonne gathering the family for prayer before every significant athletic event. This combination of spiritual foundation, athletic excellence and family unity makes the Raiolas a true Nebraska football dynasty in the making, with each sibling contributing uniquely to their collective legacy.
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