The National Player of the Year award goes to Ohio State’s rising freshman quarterback.

The National Player of the Year award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in college football, often bestowed upon a player who has dominated their position and helped lead their team to significant success. With the 2025 season approaching, one player stands out as a strong candidate for this coveted title: Ohio State’s rising freshman quarterback, Dylan Raiola.

Raiola is not just any incoming freshman—he’s the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class and one of the most highly anticipated quarterback prospects in recent memory. His combination of physical attributes, football IQ, and leadership potential make him a prime candidate to make an immediate impact on Ohio State’s high-powered offense and establish himself as the frontrunner for the National Player of the Year award. To understand why Raiola is a strong contender for this honor, let’s dive into his background, skill set, and what makes him such a unique prospect for Ohio State.

A Star-Crossed Beginning

Dylan Raiola’s journey to Ohio State is as extraordinary as it is impressive. Born into a football family, Dylan’s pedigree is undeniable. His father, Dominic Raiola, had a long career as a center in the NFL, playing for the Detroit Lions, and his uncle, Chris, was a successful NFL quarterback. With that kind of football bloodline, it’s no surprise that Dylan showed a natural aptitude for the game from a young age. By the time he was in high school, Raiola had already cemented his reputation as a rising star.

Raiola attended Chandler High School in Arizona, where he quickly became one of the top quarterbacks in the country. In his junior year, he threw for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns, leading Chandler to a state championship and showcasing his incredible ability to make every type of throw. Whether it was a deep ball down the sideline, a perfectly placed throw on a post route, or a quick strike to a running back out of the backfield, Raiola exhibited complete command of his offense. His poise in the pocket, ability to read defenses, and accuracy were already at an elite level for a high school player.

His senior year only added to his growing legend. Raiola threw for 4,500 yards, 50 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, leading Chandler to an undefeated season. His leadership on and off the field became just as notable as his stats, with teammates and coaches praising his work ethic, maturity, and ability to elevate those around him. The rise of Raiola as the top quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class was no accident; it was the result of years of hard work, natural talent, and an unrelenting drive to be the best.

Physical Tools and Style of Play

What makes Dylan Raiola such a special prospect is not just his success in high school but the sheer talent he possesses as a quarterback. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing around 220 pounds, Raiola is a physically imposing figure under center. He has the size to withstand the rigors of college football, and his athleticism allows him to escape pressure and make plays outside the pocket when necessary. Unlike many quarterbacks who may struggle with speed or size, Raiola excels in both departments.

Raiola’s arm strength is arguably his most defining characteristic. His ability to make all the necessary throws, whether it’s a deep ball down the field or a laser beam across the middle of the field, is second to none. He can throw with velocity, precision, and touch. His deep ball, in particular, is one of the best in the class—he’s able to put the ball on a dime 50 yards down the field, something few quarterbacks at any level can do with consistency.

What stands out about Raiola, though, is his decision-making and football IQ. While many young quarterbacks have the physical tools, they often struggle with reading defenses and making the right decisions under pressure. Raiola is different. His ability to go through progressions quickly and effectively, combined with his innate understanding of what defenses are trying to do, allows him to excel in a pass-heavy system like Ohio State’s. Raiola’s knowledge of the game is far beyond his years, and this could be one of the key factors in his rapid success at the collegiate level.

Additionally, his mobility is another element that sets him apart. While he is not known as a true dual-threat quarterback, Raiola is more than capable of making plays with his legs when necessary. He is able to escape pressure, extend plays, and pick up yards with his feet in a way that makes him even more dangerous. His quickness and awareness in the pocket will make him difficult to sack, and his ability to throw on the run only adds to his skill set.

Ohio State’s High-Powered Offense

Ohio State is known for its fast-paced, high-powered offense, which has been a key to its success in recent years. With a dynamic receiving corps, a strong offensive line, and a history of developing top-tier quarterbacks, the Buckeyes are a perfect fit for a quarterback like Dylan Raiola. The program’s offensive scheme under head coach Ryan Day is designed to allow quarterbacks to showcase their skills in a system that emphasizes both the passing game and the ability to read defenses quickly.

Day’s offensive philosophy has historically relied on a blend of high-tempo offense, multiple passing concepts, and a balanced attack, all of which will play to Raiola’s strengths. Whether it’s throwing deep passes to a talented wide receiver corps or utilizing short, quick throws to set up the running game, Raiola will be asked to take command of the offense right away. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and stay composed in high-pressure situations will be crucial to Ohio State’s success, and Raiola has already proven that he excels in those areas.

Furthermore, Ohio State has one of the best offensive line units in the country, which will give Raiola the time and protection he needs to go through his progressions and find his receivers. This, combined with the Buckeyes’ deep talent at wide receiver, will allow Raiola to thrive in an offense designed to maximize his skill set. With players like Brandon Ennis and Jeremiah Smith out wide, Raiola will have elite weapons at his disposal from day one.

Why Raiola Could Win National Player of the Year

The National Player of the Year award is often won by players who are able to take their teams to the next level while putting up incredible individual statistics. For a quarterback, this often means leading their team to the playoff while posting impressive numbers in passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage. Raiola, despite being a freshman, has the talent to do all of these things—and more.

At Ohio State, Raiola will be surrounded by an abundance of talent on both sides of the ball. The Buckeyes’ defense is always stout, and their running game will provide balance and support to the passing game. This will allow Raiola to focus on what he does best: throwing the football. With an elite offensive line, a wealth of playmakers at wide receiver, and a coach who knows how to maximize the talents of his quarterbacks, Raiola has everything he needs to make an immediate impact.

In addition to his physical tools and playing in an ideal system, Raiola’s mental toughness and leadership qualities are what truly set him apart. He’s a player who thrives under pressure and knows how to rise to the occasion. If Raiola can step in as a freshman and immediately lead Ohio State to a College Football Playoff berth while posting gaudy numbers, it’s not hard to see him winning the National Player of the Year award. His potential to be a transcendent talent is undeniable, and the pieces are in place for him to make a massive impact on college football.