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The Ohio State Buckeyes’ plans for 2024 took a major hit when star recruit Dylan Raiola decided to decommit from attending the university.
As much as any major sports endeavor, college athletics is all about playing the long game. While you could be on top this season, programs need to have an eye on their rosters three to five years down the road the player turnover each year is second to none.
That’s why the recruiting process is arguably the most important part of running a successful program, and Ohio State thought they hit a home run in May when elite quarterback prospect Dylan Raiola committed to attend the school in 2024. However, that is no longer the case.
Also Read: 2023 College football transfer portal tracker
On Saturday, the player viewed as the top prospect on many 2024 college football recruiting boards announced that he would go back into the talent pool and will not be playing in Columbus in a couple of years.
Following the news, Raiola’s father Dominic told ESPN his son does not plan to make a decision on his future any time soon and will “take the process as it comes over the next few months.” In his sophomore season, he threw for 3,341 yards and 32 touchdowns. He followed that up in 2022 with 2,435 yards through the air and 22 touchdowns.
Three possible landing spots for Dylan Raiola in 2024
With Dylan Raiola back in the recruiting pool, many teams are likely to reengage their pursuit of the Chandler High School star. However, few programs will truly have what it takes to bring the 6-foot-3, 220-pound prospect to their schools.
With that in mind, here are three schools with the best chance to win the Dylan Raiola sweepstakes next year.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have not had a winning season since 2016 and their poor 4-8 record in 2022 cost program legend Scott Frost the head coaching gig after five seasons. In pursuit of turning things around quickly, the university hired former Baylor and Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule in November.
Showing recruitment savvy, Rhule retained few coaches from the prior regime. One of them is Raiola’s uncle, offensive line coach Donovan Raiola. While Nebraska isn’t a favorite, that interesting decision could be evidence the program may be getting inside intel and could be a legit candidate now for the teenage star.
USC Trojans
The USC Trojans were one of the teams that were a top contender before Raiola committed to Ohio State. That was before sophomore Caleb Williams had a historic season and won the Heisman Trophy award.
With William’s value at a high heading into his junior season, he is sure to take his talents to the draft next year. Meaning the Trojans need to prepare for life after Williams in 2024 and somewhat maintain the winning standard he has set for the university during his tenure.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Unsurprisingly, the Alabama Crimson Tide were a leading candidate for Dylan Raiola earlier this year and that will be the case again over the next few months. However, after a two loss season in 2022, and falling short in the National Championship game in 2021, Alabama’s dominance in college football is on shaky ground.
Understanding that his influence in recruiting due to new rules allowing amatuer athletes to be compensated, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban could make a concerted effort to make sure they land Raiola this time and solidify three big seasons starting in 2024.
More must-reads:
- The 25 best non-fiction sports books
- Winners and losers from Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft
- The 'National Championship QBs' quiz
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