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After back-to-back losses to Michigan in the first time in over two decades, Ohio State fans were already looking for a reason to fire head coach Ryan Day.
Now they may have just found one.
For the entirety of Day’s tenure thus far, he’s been one of the best recruiters in the nation. The Buckeyes are always one of the country’s most talented teams. It appeared that recruiting success would continue with the class of 2024. But now that’s less certain.
Ohio State has already snagged commitments from the top two overall recruits in the 2024 class according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, quarterback Dylan Raiola and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Raiola, whose father Dominic spent 14 years as a center with the Detroit Lions, is considered a can’t-miss prospect.
A young player who has very few holes in his game even with two more years of high school left. Ahead of the curve mechanically and possesses the arm strength that puts him in elite company. The more he plays and has reps his decision making and feel will only get faster and become second nature. Should become a Power Five starter for multiple years and a potential all-conference selection with NFL Draft early-round upside. – Chris Singletary, 247Sports
Though now it appears he’ll be taking that talent somewhere other than Columbus.
No. 1 Overall Recruit Dylan Raiola Decommits From Ohio State As Buckeye Fans Melt Down
Rumors began to swirl early Saturday morning that the star signal caller could back off his pledge to the Buckeyes. Hours later, those rumors came true.
The nation's No. 1 recruit Dylan Raiola decommits from #OhioState https://t.co/XR2yyYLgSK via @247sports
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) December 17, 2022
The decommitment send Ohio Stae fans into a full meltdown.
Bro come onnnnnnn😥😥😥 https://t.co/MPvr4oViXb
— Bubs (@Bubs12Morrison) December 17, 2022
😭 It's official. I hope he's just shopping his value, trying to get more out of OSU. Why would you not want to throw to a generational talent like Smith? https://t.co/5Ny93Z8Gun
— Buckeye Frank (Buckeye Productions) (@FrankD_419) December 17, 2022
https://twitter.com/AStheGOAT24/status/1604162533815877632?s=20&t=X-qKKgLhOR68jdK9V_mfmQ
https://twitter.com/spidamitcheIl/status/1604162129917259777?s=20&t=X-qKKgLhOR68jdK9V_mfmQ
While Raiola hasn’t announced his next destination, one school has stood out from the pack. Raiola’s father Dominic and uncle Donovan both played for Nebraska. Donovan currently serves at the Huskers’ offensive line coach and was the lone coach retained by new head coach Matt Rhule.
Huskers fans felt optimistic about the news.
Go Big Red! #Huskers https://t.co/kixYwYRXmG
— Nick Push (@NicholasPush) December 17, 2022
Let’s get after him Husker staff https://t.co/dRsnkflRfA
— Husker Mafia (@HuskerMafia) December 17, 2022
One thing is certain, Raiola won’t be short on options.