As football star Dylan Raiola enters his sophomore year as the Nebraska Cornhuskers' starting quarterback, the 20-year-old is undoubtedly aiming to build upon his family’s storied legacy in Lincoln. Dylan was one of the top-ranked prospects in the 2024 recruiting class and has already been touted for future success. That comes as no surprise, given his athletic roots – with his entire family deeply involved in competitive sports. While many have mistakenly assumed he's related to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes – thanks to their strikingly similar appearances – the two are simply friends.
HELLO! takes a closer look at Dylan's biological family and the famous father whose footsteps he's following in.
Dylan Raiola on playing field© Getty Images
Dylan Raiola is the Nebraska Cornhuskers' starting quarterback
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Dylan Raiola celebrates after a win© Getty Images
Dylan Raiola celebrates after a win
Who is Dylan Raiola?
Born in Hawaii in 2005, Dylan began making waves in football as early as high school. He first attended Burleson High School in Texas before transferring to Chandler High School in Arizona for his junior year. He then completed his senior season at Buford High School in Georgia.
In 2023, the star announced his top four schools – Georgia, Nebraska, Oregon, and USC. However, he changed his mind from Georgia to Nebraska before the end of the year.
Dominic Raiola on pitch© Getty Images
Dominic Raiola is a former NFL player
Famous father
Dylan is the son of the former NFL player Dominic Raiola. During his junior season, he set a Nebraska record with 145 pancake blocks, ultimately finishing his college career with an impressive 371. In his final year with the program, Raiola was named a consensus All-American and became the first-ever recipient of the Rimington Award in 2000. Dominic was selected by The Detroit, Lions in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft.
"To be around that kind of atmosphere, and that level of football play, I didn’t understand it back then, but now to look back, I’m very grateful I have that experience," Dylan told Hail Varsity. "To be around great football players like Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson and a bunch more, it was just a cool lifestyle to grow up in, of going to games on Sunday, and then kind of just celebrating."
Yvonne with her husband and kids© Instagram
Yvonne with her husband and kids
Dylan's mom
The football star's mom, Yvonne Raiola, also has experience in the sporting world. The mother-of-three represented the University of Hawaii in Water Polo before she married Dominic. She was also a former athlete and took part in the All-State Track Relay Team in school.
Dylan Raiola and his uncle Donovan Raiola© Getty Images
Dylan Raiola and his uncle Donovan Raiola
NFL uncle
Dylan's uncle is Donovan Raiola, who is currently the offensive line coach for the Huskers – a position he has held since 2022. "Having an uncle (here) is special," said Dylan. "He’s always there to remind me why I’m here, and he’s right there for me. Even though all the coaches care for me tremendously, that’s blood, a family relationship that you can’t substitute. So it’s like having my dad here honestly, just because they’re similar and they kind of say the same things. So it’s just pretty cool."
It seems Donovan saw his nephew's sporting abilities from a young age. "When he was 2 years old," he shared. "Sunday night football was on. He could hardly say mom and dad, and the Patriots are playing. He’s sitting there, jumping around the couch, and he looks up, he’s like 'Tom Brady.' I was like, 'What?'"
Quarterback Dayton Raiola going through drills© Getty Images
Quarterback Dayton Raiola going through drills
Dylan's siblings
Dylan's brother, Dayton Raiola, is a promising quarterback from Buford, GA. Unlike his brother, Dayon is a left-handed passer. And that's not all – Dylan's sister, Taylor Raiola, has been the Director of Volleyball Operations at Mississippi State University since June 2025.