Why Tennessee Isn't Pursuing Dylan Raiola
Some buzzwords are often overused in recruiting. Elite, generational, and special are common terms applied every cycle, which is untrue. However, you can get a prospect that defines all those characteristics, which is who 2024 quarterback Dylan Raiola is.
Raiola is a Phoenix, Arizona, native that has put up absurd stats in his three seasons as a starter. He has thrown for 54 touchdowns in the past two seasons, an absurd number only outmatched by his game tape. He has it all: the 6-3 and 225-pound frame, the absurd arm talent, and the presnap prowess.
USC, Nebraska, and Georgia are trending in his recruitment. The Trojans laid out the red carpet on a recent unofficial visit, and reports confirm that head coach Lincoln Riley didn't leave Raiola's side. If Riley, one of the sport's best offensive minds, is placing that much of a premium on him, that should signify the prospect we are dealing with.
Tennessee likely wouldn't make the cut in this recruitment. USC has the California appeal while offering an elite offensive system, Nebraska employs Raiola's uncle as their offensive line coach, and Georgia is defending two consecutive national titles. It would be an uphill battle for the Volunteers, especially for an Arizona recruit.
Nonetheless, head coach Josh Heupel has recruited every top national quarterback over the past few years. Tennessee signed Tayven Jackson and Nico Iamaleava in his first two full recruiting cycles, despite the likelihood of creating a logjam behind current starter Joe Milton III.
The coaching staff hasn't even extended an offer to Raiola. Everyone from Georgia to Ohio State to Alabama has been involved in this recruitment, yet the orange and white haven't even communicated. The answer for why is simple: they are reaffirming their commitment to Iamaleava.
Iamaleava is a special prospect on his own. He holds a long 6-6 frame with an arm equally talented as Raiola's. In fact, Iamaleava was On3's No. 1 overall prospect in one of the strongest classes we have seen. Arch Manning, Dante Moore, and Jackson Arnold are excellent prospects, but Iamaleava edged them out in high school.
Recruiting Raiola creates unnecessary conflict, especially when you know there isn't a chance to land him. By not even offering the best quarterback prospect, perhaps since Trevor Lawerence, signals that they are content resting the program's future in Iamaleava's hands.
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