On Thursday, August 14, 2025, the Buford (GA) Wolves will host Milton (GA) in a season opener that promises to deliver more than just a game.
The matchup, set to air live on ESPN, will debut Buford’s dazzling new $62 million stadium and feature a quarterback already drawing attention, Nebraska commit Dayton Raiola. Having committed to the Cornhuskers since last September, Raiola will look to start his last year of high school ball strong on a primetime stage.
Dayton Riola, Nebraska QB’s Brother, Opens High School Senior Year With Primetime ESPN Game
Dayton Raiola’s father, Dominic Raiola, starred as an All-American center at Nebraska in the late 1990s and early 2000s before carving out a 14-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions. His uncle, Donovan Dayton, coaches the offensive line at Nebraska, and his older brother, Dylan Raiola, currently holds the reins as the Huskers’ freshman starting quarterback.
So, it’s safe to say Nebraska football runs thick in his bloodline.
A rising senior at Buford High School (GA), he stepped into the starting role after Dylan graduated and headed to Lincoln. He brings a distinct flair to the position. Through his first five games of the 2024 season, he completed 37 of 64 passes for 564 yards, tossing four touchdowns against three interceptions, per ESPN stats.
Dayton Raiola and the Buford (Ga.) Wolves will kick off their 2025 season on ESPN against Milton (Ga.) https://t.co/o7Kz0hkoAe
— Tim Verghese (@TimVerghese) May 29, 2025
This game against Milton, which will kick off at 7:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 14 on ESPN, will be a big one — it’ll be the first in the school’s new $62 million stadium.
This game joins a long, multi-year partnership where the sports broadcasting giant televises impactful high school games at the beginning of the season, giving some shine to college football’s future stars.
National television exposure elevates everything. College scouts are already circling Raiola after his commitment, which will allow the scout to see how he handles pressure against a quality opponent.
RELATED: Georgia High School Showcases New $62 Million, 10,000-Seat Stadium Rivaling Some Colleges
Milton’s defense, known for its speed and physicality, will challenge Buford’s offensive line and Raiola’s decision-making. A crisp, efficient outing could cement his status as a top 2026 prospect; a shaky one might raise questions he’ll need to answer over the next two years.
Playing on ESPN isn’t new territory for the Wolves, who have built a reputation as a Georgia powerhouse. But pairing this matchup with the unveiling of a $62 million stadium adds a layer of prestige. This means Buford isn’t just going to be competing locally; it’s aiming to dominate the national conversation.
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