I’ve been covering recruiting for 26 years and counting. I’ve ranked programs, players, and covered massive recruiting news forever. I could give you hundreds of examples, but there’s no need. You’re gonna have to trust me. 5 star Dylan Raiola flipping from Georgia to Nebraska is one of the biggest recruiting moments I’ve covered.
Why? It’s kind of a perfect storm. First off, Raiola is the highest-ranked player to commit to Nebraska since I’ve been doing this. OT Baker Steinkuhler was a top 10 prospect back in 2008, and RB Marlon Lucky was top 15 in 2005, but neither was as highly regarded nationally as Raiola, and neither obviously played QB. For the first time ever, Nebraska has landed a 5-star QB, which in and of itself is a big deal. Add in the legacy factor with his dad and uncle and Matt Rhule needing a massive recruiting win after a rough (but expected) first season, and you have a nice mix of buzz. But here’s the kicker — the Nebraska fan base is, by far, hands down the No. 1 most rabid fan base in college football, and a recruiting win like this allows them to win the off-season and makes up for the close losses of the past season. Close losses, I’ll add, mainly due to poor QB play.
Matt Rhule had a decision to make. Does he go in on Ohio State transfer Kyle McCord, who would bring 11 wins from the Buckeyes, or does he go all in on Raiola? With a very impatient fan base who pay attention to everything, Rhule decided to take the longer road and go with the young guy and allow him to develop. Scott Frost did so with Adrian Martinez, and after a solid freshman year, he regressed. Rhule won’t allow that to happen and has a balance with Chubba Purdy on the roster, who could allow Raiola some time to learn and develop. Rhule also kept local QB Daniel Kaelin in this class, which will help push Raiola.
The final reason this is a big deal? A big name like Raiola will bring in better skill position players and even OL from high school and the transfer portal. It’s a common theme — get a big-name QB and the recruits follow.
Nebraska fans live for hype. It’s part of their amazing passion for their team. But this is no hype. I’m telling you straight out as someone who has been as critical of Nebraska recruiting as anyone over the years. This is one of the biggest recruiting moments of the last 26 years.
