Dylan Raiola is ranked the No. 1 football recruit for the 2024 class, but he might be the best in the entire nation regardless of class. He is rated a perfect 1.0000 by the 247Sports Composite, thin air that only a handful of players have graduated with Now, after decommitting from Ohio State, he’s back on the market.
News broke on Saturday morning that Raiola has opted to resume his recruitment and decommit to the Ohio State Buckeyes, which he made on May 9. His father, former NFL player Dominic Raiola, told 274Sports that “everything is back on the table” and the process is “almost restarting.”
Who can pull the 6-foot-3, 220-pound quarterback?
Raiola visited Oregon, Georgia, Ohio State, USC and Clemson in early 2022. according to on3, recruiting outlet, who predicted at the time that Ohio State and USC were leading the way. Hook ‘Em Titles also reported that he visited Texas in April, while on3 said in October that he did Nebraska.
SportsGrid’s Ben Stevens indicated that QB’s uncle, Donovan Raiolawas retained on the Nebraska coaching staff, potentially giving the program a leg up and playing in the program’s recent junior visit.
Raiola has a total of 26 offers, and as his father said, “It’s not close to anybody.” Most of the major football programs have offered him, meaning schools like Alabama, Florida, Notre Dame, Michigan and TCU — in addition to the aforementioned programs (although Clemson hasn’t officially offered, according to 247) — they have a chance.
As for the two major in-state programs, he only received an offer from the University of Arizona, about two hours from his home. Although the Wildcats fell short of a bowl game this season, their 5-7 season was a success after winning one game in the previous two seasons combined.
It will be interesting to see if the new Arizona State University coaching staff puts their logo in the ring as well. New head coach Kenny Dillingham, also a local product, had tremendous support from Arizona high school players and alumni, and Source of the Sun Devil noted that he was able to transfer as many transfers from Arizona high schools in one week as previous head coach Herm Edwards did in four years. If he turns the program around amid in-state recruiting, Raiola will be a jewel in the crown.
Raiola burst onto the scene as a sophomore at Chandler (Ariz.) High School, leading the team to a championship game after passing for 3,341 yards, 32 touchdowns and five interceptions. He had about 100 fewer passes as a junior, throwing for 2,435 yards with 22 touchdowns and five interceptions.
With one season remaining, Raiola will look to prove he is one of the best rookies in recent years and try to lead Chandler to a title. All the while schools will be paying attention and competing for his talents – which will he choose?