The internet has erupted with excitement following the revelation that Dayton Raiola, the younger brother of Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, bears an uncanny resemblance to Jackson Mahomes, the younger brother of NFL star Patrick Mahomes. This surprising resemblance has led to a flurry of jokes and observations across social media, showcasing how easily people draw connections based on appearance and familial ties in the world of sports.
Dayton Raiola made headlines recently after committing to the Nebraska Cornhuskers, where he is set to join the 2026 recruitment class. His commitment is particularly noteworthy as he has stepped into the role of starting quarterback at Georgia’s Buford High School, succeeding his brother Dylan, who has moved on to college football. Dayton has already made an impact on the field, leading his team to four victories in their first five games of the season.
The Raiola family’s connection to Nebraska runs deep, as their father, Dominic Raiola, played for the Cornhuskers from 1997 to 2000 and enjoyed a 14-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions. Additionally, their uncle, Donovan Raiola, currently serves as the offensive line coach at Nebraska, cementing the family’s legacy in the program.
The internet’s reaction to Dayton’s resemblance to Jackson Mahomes has been a mix of humor and curiosity. Many users quickly took to social media to share their thoughts, with one user humorously exclaiming, “We DONT need another Jackson Mahomes.” Another quipped about the unfortunate situation of being compared to Jackson, while a third questioned the bizarre “simulation” of reality that seems to connect these two families. The jokes continued, with some speculating whether Dayton would share Jackson’s controversial behaviors, suggesting that as long as Dayton behaves like a responsible quarterback, he is in good shape.
Despite the comedic comparisons, the Raiola family is known for their athletic prowess, and Dayton seems poised to continue this tradition. The conversations surrounding Dayton Raiola highlight not just the fun and sometimes absurd nature of celebrity culture, but also the expectations and narratives that accompany young athletes as they step into the spotlight. For now, as long as Dayton remains focused on his game and avoids the pitfalls that have plagued others, he is set to carve out his own identity in the world of college football—one that is distinct from the shadows cast by his brother and the Mahomes family.
