Dylan Raiola is an American college football quarterback, widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2024 recruiting class. Born on May 9, 2005, in Hawaii, he quickly rose to prominence through his impressive high school performances before committing to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 220 pounds, Raiola possesses the physicality and skill set needed to excel at the quarterback position. As a freshman in 2024, he set records for passing yards and completion percentage, solidifying his status as a rising star in college football.
Early Life
Dylan Anthony Raiola was born on May 9, 2005, in Gilbert, Arizona. From a young age, Dylan was immersed in a sports-centric environment, heavily influenced by his family’s rich athletic background. Initially, he was passionate about baseball, playing as a catcher and even pitching with a fastball clocked at 89 MPH during his freshman year.
Dylan’s high school journey was marked by multiple transitions. He began at Burleson High School in Texas, where he showcased his burgeoning talent in football. Seeking greater challenges and exposure, he transferred to Chandler High School in Arizona for his junior year. There, he continued to refine his skills, leading the team to the semifinals of the open division state playoffs. For his senior year, Dylan moved to Buford High School in Georgia, aiming to further elevate his game against top-tier competition.
Family Background
Dylan hails from a family deeply rooted in football. His father, Dominic Raiola, is a former NFL offensive lineman who had a distinguished 14-season career with the Detroit Lions. Dominic’s collegiate years at the University of Nebraska were equally impressive; he was a consensus All-American and the recipient of the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top center.
Dylan’s mother, Yvonne Raiola, brings a rich Polynesian heritage to the family. Hailing from Kailua, Hawaii, Yvonne attended Kamehameha High School and later the University of Hawaii, where she was an active participant in water polo. This diverse cultural background has been a cornerstone of Dylan’s upbringing, instilling in him values of resilience and dedication.
The Raiola family’s connection to football extends beyond immediate family members. Dylan’s godfather is Matthew Stafford, the renowned NFL quarterback. Stafford and Dominic Raiola were teammates on the Detroit Lions, forging a bond that has influenced Dylan’s development both on and off the field.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dylan Anthony Raiola |
| Date of Birth | May 9, 2005 |
| Birthplace | Hawaii, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Parents | Father: Dominic Raiola; Mother: [Name not publicly disclosed] |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| High Schools | Burleson High School (TX); Chandler High School (AZ); Buford High School (GA) |
| College | University of Nebraska |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Jersey Number | 15 |
| Class | Freshman (as of 2024) |
| Major | [Information not publicly available] |
| Awards | Polynesian Football Player of the Year (2023) |
| Notable Stats | 2024 Season: 2,819 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, 67.1% completion rate |
Early Life and High School Career
Ben’s athletic journey began at Stephens County High School in Toccoa, where he excelled in both football and baseball. His imposing stature and skill on the football field quickly garnered attention, leading to his commitment to the University of Georgia during the summer before his junior year.
In addition to his football achievements, Ben was a standout on the baseball diamond, showcasing his versatility as a two-sport athlete. His dedication to sports was evident as he graduated early from high school, enrolling at the University of Georgia in January 2016 to begin his collegiate football career.
Collegiate Career
At the University of Georgia, Ben’s football career progressed steadily. After redshirting his true freshman season in 2016, he made significant contributions in subsequent years. As a redshirt freshman, he played in all 15 games, starting the final five, including the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship game. Despite facing injuries during his redshirt sophomore season, Ben returned with determination, starting in multiple games and earning accolades for his performance. His resilience culminated in a standout redshirt senior year in 2020, where he was honored as a first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) player and received third-team All-American recognition from the Associated Press.
Professional Career
Ben’s transition to professional football began when the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, with the 94th overall pick. This selection was part of a trade deal that sent Orlando Brown Jr. to the Kansas City Chiefs. Upon joining the Ravens, Ben signed a four-year rookie contract valued at $4.8 million. His rookie season saw him placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury but he made a strong return, contributing notably on special teams. In the 2024 season, Ben’s efforts were highlighted by a crucial field goal block in a game against the Washington Commanders, underscoring his impact on the team’s success.
Recent Matches
| Date | Opponent | Completion Rate | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 7, 2024 | UTEP | 70.4% (19/27) | 238 | 2 | 0 |
| September 14, 2024 | Colorado | 76.7% (23/30) | 185 | 1 | 0 |
| September 21, 2024 | Northern Iowa | 73.9% (17/23) | 247 | 2 | 0 |
| September 28, 2024 | No. 24 Illinois | 80% (24/30) | 297 | 3 | 0 |
In his debut against UTEP, Raiola completed 19 of 27 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, earning him the Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor. He continued to demonstrate accuracy and poise in subsequent games, notably achieving an 80% completion rate against No. 24 Illinois, where he threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns.
Notable Matches
| Date | Opponent | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| November 23, 2024 | Wisconsin | Led Nebraska to bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016 with a victory over Wisconsin. |
| December 28, 2024 | Pinstripe Bowl | Started in the 2024 Pinstripe Bowl, marking Nebraska’s return to postseason play. |
Raiola’s leadership was pivotal in Nebraska achieving bowl eligibility, culminating in a significant win over Wisconsin on November 23, 2024. He also started in the 2024 Pinstripe Bowl, marking Nebraska’s return to postseason play.
Latest News
In early 2025, Dylan Raiola made headlines for emulating NFL star Patrick Mahomes, adopting similar hairstyles, mannerisms, and pre-game routines. This imitation sparked widespread discussions among fans and analysts, with many noting Raiola’s admiration for Mahomes and his influence on Raiola’s playing style. As the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ starting quarterback, Dylan Raiola continues to attract attention for both his on-field performance and his evolving approach to the game.
Physical Appearance
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) and weighing 220 pounds (100 kilograms), Raiola possesses a commanding presence on the field. His physique, combined with agility and strength, contributes to his effectiveness as a quarterback.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username | Link |
|---|---|---|
| @RaiolaDylan | https://twitter.com/RaiolaDylan | |
| [Username not publicly available] | [Link not publicly available] | |
| [Page not publicly available] | [Link not publicly available] |
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, while specific figures regarding Raiola’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, his status as a prominent college athlete suggests potential earnings from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, endorsements, and other opportunities. However, exact financial details remain private.
People also ask
Are Dylan Raiola and Patrick Mahomes related?
No, Dylan Raiola and Patrick Mahomes are not related. However, both come from football backgrounds—Raiola is the son of former NFL center Dominic Raiola, while Mahomes is the son of former MLB pitcher Pat Mahomes.
How much is Dylan Raiola’s NIL deal?
The exact value of Dylan Raiola’s NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal is not publicly confirmed. However, as one of the top quarterback recruits, his NIL valuation is estimated to be in the high six to seven figures, depending on endorsements and partnerships.
Why did Dylan Raiola transfer?
Dylan Raiola transferred to Buford High School in Georgia for his senior season to compete at a high level and prepare for college football. However, he later transferred back to Pinnacle High School in Arizona, likely for personal and family reasons.
Did Dylan Raiola decommit from UGA?
Yes, Dylan Raiola decommitted from the University of Georgia (UGA) in December 2023. He later committed to the University of Nebraska, following in the footsteps of his father, Dominic Raiola, who played there.
