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Ducks' strong family connections continues on with Raiola brothers
TL;DR
Dylan and Dayton Raiola, brothers and new commitments to the Oregon Ducks, emphasize the team's family atmosphere. Both players have transitioned from their previous commitments, with Dylan moving from Nebraska and Dayton switching positions from quarterback to tight end.
For as long as Dan Lanning's been the head coach of the Oregon Ducks, an emphasis has been put on having a family atmosphere in and around the team. Players come from all across the country, but they can always turn to their brothers within the Ducks family.
That's no different for quarterback Dylan Raiola and tight end Dayton Raiola — though they have each other as actual brothers to turn to as well.
The pair each committed to the Ducks earlier this year, Dylan after two seasons with the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Dayton as a three-star athlete making the transition from quarterback to tight end. The younger Raiola was also previously tied to Nebraska, as he was committed as a passer until mid-November of 2025. He then re-opened his commitment, eventually joining the Ducks shortly after his older brother announced his own commitment.
Unsurprisingly, the opportunity to play on the same team as each other has been a positive experience.
"Having my brother here is a dream come true," the elder Raiola told reporters on Tuesday. "It's something that not a lot of siblings, let alone brothers, have the opportunity to do... For him to be up here and to be able to play together, him have the courage to switch his position, not knowing what that entails, of I'm very proud of him. And you know, I learned so much from every day, and I'm grateful to have him here as a Duck, and you know, as my brother as well."
Because of the position switch, the Raiola brothers will have the chance to complete a touchdown together. They can establish a quarterback-tight end chemistry that they previously hadn't been able to do. It's the same sort of close relationship between family members that shows up in other parts of the Oregon roster and coaching staff.
"That's just a great example of family on our team," head coach Dan Lanning told reporters on Tuesday, referencing the Raiola family. "You know, whether it's Coach Tuioti coaching his son, Teitum, or whether it's those guys getting to be out here together. You know, Brock [Thomas] and his brother, Brody, are both here on the team as well. So that's been fun for us to be able to see family incorporated into it."
Mission accomplished for Lanning in creating a family atmosphere within the Oregon program, helping lead to what the team hopes is big goals alongside their trusted brothers — literally and figuratively.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Raiola brothers highlight family connections within Oregon program
Q&A
What teams did Dylan and Dayton Raiola commit to before joining the Oregon Ducks?
Dylan Raiola was previously with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, while Dayton Raiola was also committed to Nebraska before switching to the Ducks.
How has the Raiola brothers' commitment impacted their experience at Oregon?
The opportunity to play together on the same team has created a positive experience for both Dylan and Dayton Raiola at Oregon.
What position is Dayton Raiola transitioning to at Oregon Ducks?
Dayton Raiola is transitioning from quarterback to tight end after joining the Oregon Ducks.
