College Football World Rocked as Five-Star QB Dylan Raiola Commits to Ohio State, Beating Out Tennessee, BYU, and Other Elite Programs
In a recruiting development that has sent shockwaves across the college football landscape, five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola has officially committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes, delivering a monumental win for head coach Ryan Day and the program’s future.
Raiola’s decision ends one of the most high-profile and closely watched recruiting battles in recent memory, with Tennessee, BYU, Georgia, and several other blue-blood programs aggressively pursuing the elite signal-caller. Instead, the Buckeyes have landed their quarterback of the future—one whose name has dominated national recruiting headlines for over two years.
A Massive Win for Ohio State
Raiola, the No. 1 quarterback and a top-3 overall prospect in the class of 2025 (according to 247Sports and ESPN), chose Ohio State for what he described as a “perfect mix of tradition, development, and winning.” The 6-foot-3, 225-pound star from Buford High School in Georgia made his announcement live on ESPN, donning a scarlet Buckeyes cap and declaring, “I’m ready to chase greatness in Columbus.”
This commitment is more than just a recruiting win—it’s a statement. Raiola is the kind of player who changes the trajectory of a program. He brings not only elite arm talent, quick decision-making, and athleticism, but also the leadership intangibles that college coaches dream of building a team around.
“Dylan Raiola is a program-changer,” said ESPN Recruiting Analyst Tom Luginbill. “He’s got NFL arm strength, incredible football IQ, and the type of charisma that elevates everyone around him. This is a huge victory for Ohio State.”
Beating Out the Best
The battle for Raiola’s services was fierce. Tennessee, led by Josh Heupel’s explosive offensive system, made a serious push. BYU, his family’s alma mater (Raiola’s father, Dominic, is a former NFL lineman and BYU standout), had strong emotional ties. Georgia, the reigning national powerhouse, was also viewed as a frontrunner for much of the process.
But it was Ryan Day’s reputation as a quarterback developer—with success stories like Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, and Dwayne Haskins—that sealed the deal. Raiola praised Day and quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis for laying out a clear vision for his development and future success.
“Coach Day didn’t promise anything—he showed me what’s possible with hard work and belief,” Raiola said. “It just felt right.”
The Ripple Effect
Raiola’s commitment is expected to have an immediate impact on the recruiting trail. Already, several high-profile receivers and offensive linemen are rumored to be leaning toward Ohio State, with Raiola’s presence giving the Buckeyes a gravitational pull few programs can match.
With Raiola in the fold, Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class now ranks No. 1 nationally, and it’s only expected to get stronger. Fans, analysts, and alumni are already buzzing about the potential for another national title run in the coming years.
The Raiola Era Begins
Dylan Raiola’s arrival in Columbus marks the beginning of what could be one of the most exciting eras in Ohio State football. With talent, maturity, and championship ambitions, he’s ready to carry the legacy of great Buckeye quarterbacks—and elevate it to new heights.
The future is now for Ohio State. And it starts with Dylan Raiola.