“NO HARD FEELINGS: Dylan Raiola Still Holds Ryan Day, Ohio State, and ‘The Shoe’ in High Regard Despite Decommitment”

Dylan Raiola’s football journey has taken twists that many fans didn’t expect, but his respect for Ohio State, its coach Ryan Day, and the program’s iconic home—Ohio Stadium, affectionately known as “The Shoe”—remains unwavering. Though he ultimately chose a different path, Raiola’s reflections make it clear that the decision to decommit from the Buckeyes wasn’t about dissatisfaction. Instead, it was about personal fit, timing, and the ever-evolving nature of elite-level college football recruiting. His story is one of admiration and maturity, serving as a reminder that the recruiting process can be complex without needing to end in resentment.

When Dylan Raiola originally committed to Ohio State in 2022, it sent a jolt of excitement through Buckeye Nation. At the time, he was the No. 1 ranked quarterback in the country and widely seen as a transformational player. Raiola’s commitment gave the Buckeyes what looked like a cornerstone for the future, a player with a generational arm, pocket presence, and leadership intangibles rarely seen at the high school level. For Ryan Day, a coach with a proven track record of developing quarterbacks into first-round NFL talent, it seemed like a perfect match.

But recruiting is rarely a straight line. In December 2022, Raiola decommitted from Ohio State, sending shockwaves throughout the college football world. Speculation quickly swirled—was it about NIL opportunities? Was there a breakdown in communication? Did he lose faith in Ohio State’s trajectory? None of these were the case, at least not in the way some might have assumed. Raiola has since made it clear that his decommitment had less to do with any perceived shortcomings at Ohio State and more to do with his own evolving vision for his football journey.

In recent interviews, Raiola has spoken glowingly about Ryan Day and the Ohio State program. He’s highlighted the professionalism and honesty that Day and his staff showed him throughout the recruiting process, even after his decision to decommit. According to Raiola, Day remained respectful, understanding, and supportive—a reflection of the culture the Buckeyes have built under his leadership. The bond the two shared wasn’t one that vanished overnight. Even after moving on, Raiola has consistently reiterated that Day is one of the finest minds in college football and someone he still admires from afar.

It’s a rare show of emotional intelligence and maturity from a young athlete who was thrust into the spotlight at an early age. It’s easy to forget that these highly touted recruits are still teenagers grappling with monumental decisions that will shape not only their college careers but potentially their professional futures. In that context, Raiola’s ability to handle his decision with such grace—and to still praise a program he walked away from—speaks volumes about his character.

Beyond his relationship with Coach Day, Raiola has also made it clear that he remains deeply respectful of Ohio State as a whole. From the facilities to the staff to the fans, he has left no doubt that his decision to decommit was not fueled by any disappointment in the Buckeyes themselves. In fact, Raiola still speaks fondly about the day he first visited Columbus, walking the field at the Shoe, and soaking in the energy of one of college football’s most storied venues. He calls it a “sacred place,” noting that very few experiences compare to standing on that field with over 100,000 fans roaring in unison. That moment, he says, will stick with him for life.

Such high praise from a former commit is not something programs always receive, especially when a recruitment ends in decommitment. But Ohio State isn’t your average program, and Raiola isn’t your average recruit. He understands that choosing a college is about more than hype or pressure. It’s about environment, comfort, and aligning with a vision. His decision wasn’t a rejection of Ohio State—it was a choice to follow a path that felt more personal, more aligned with his goals at the time.

Interestingly, Raiola’s subsequent decision to commit to Georgia, a perennial powerhouse in its own right, drew comparisons and created new storylines. Analysts debated whether Georgia’s recent dominance had eclipsed Ohio State’s appeal. But Raiola’s own words make it clear that it wasn’t about choosing one over the other in a zero-sum game. Rather, it was about a young man navigating the shifting winds of a high-stakes landscape, trying to make the best choice for his future. And even after flipping his commitment, he never once closed the door on his respect for the Buckeyes.

That ongoing admiration became even more apparent when Raiola attended a game at the Shoe months after his decommitment. Fans took notice. Despite the awkwardness such a visit might create in other contexts, Raiola’s presence was received without animosity. Ohio State fans, known for their passion and deep knowledge of the sport, appreciated the fact that the young quarterback still felt connected to the program. In interviews following that visit, Raiola spoke once again of the surreal experience of being in the stadium, of the power and pride that reverberates through its walls. It wasn’t just lip service—it was heartfelt and authentic.

In many ways, Raiola’s story mirrors the modern college football landscape, where player movement is more fluid, and the once-permanent nature of a commitment has softened. Decommitments are no longer viewed as betrayal but rather as part of the process. Raiola’s case exemplifies how such changes can be handled maturely and respectfully by both player and program. There was no bad blood, no public falling out, and no bitterness—just mutual appreciation.

This mutual respect is also a credit to Ohio State. Under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have cultivated a culture that prioritizes relationship-building. Recruits consistently speak of the genuine care they feel from the coaching staff, and Raiola’s experience only reinforces that narrative. Even after his departure, the door remained open—not in the sense of him re-committing, but in the sense of maintaining human decency and mutual respect. That openness fosters goodwill and serves as a recruiting tool in and of itself.

It’s also worth noting how Raiola’s decision could have become a lightning rod for negativity or blame, but it didn’t. Instead, it has turned into a positive example of how even the most high-profile recruiting decisions can be navigated with maturity and grace. That speaks volumes about Raiola’s upbringing and about the programs involved. Ohio State didn’t burn bridges, and neither did Raiola. In a time when social media amplifies every action and fuels emotional reactions, such steadiness stands out.

Raiola’s relationship with Ohio State also serves as a case study in the value of long-term thinking. While fans often live in the immediacy of wins and losses, recruiting classes and commitments, players and coaches must take a broader view. For Raiola, that meant acknowledging that while Ohio State might not be the place where he plays college football, it will always be a place that influenced him, taught him, and supported him during a formative stage of his life. That level of acknowledgment isn’t just admirable—it’s rare.

It remains to be seen how Raiola’s college career will unfold. Will he fulfill his five-star promise and become a household name? Will he lead a team to a national championship or become the top pick in the NFL Draft? Those answers will come in time. But no matter what the future holds, the respect he has shown for Ohio State will endure as part of his legacy. The Shoe will always be one of the places that believed in him, and in turn, he has shown that belief never goes unappreciated.

As fans, it can be tempting to view recruiting purely through the lens of wins and losses. But Raiola’s story offers a more nuanced perspective. Sometimes the right decision for a player involves walking away from a great program—not because it wasn’t good enough, but because another path made more sense. That doesn’t diminish the greatness of the original option, and it certainly doesn’t preclude admiration.

In a sport where rivalries run deep and loyalties are tested, Dylan Raiola’s continued respect for Ryan Day, Ohio State, and the Shoe is refreshing. It’s a sign that not every decision needs to be divisive, and that grace, maturity, and mutual respect can prevail even in a landscape often dominated by drama. Ohio State may not have Raiola under center, but it will always have his respect—and that’s something few programs can claim after a decommitment.