One of the newest players selected to play in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl is Buford (Ga.) quarterback Dayton Raiola. Raiola is a quintessential candidate for the Polynesian Bowl — in addition to be a talented quarterback, his father Dominic Raiola is in the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame (2020 inductee). And his brother, Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, played in the 2024 Polynesian Bowl.
«It felt pretty special to be invited,» Dayton Raiola told 247Sports. «It’s a full circle moment for me because my dad is in the Hall of Fame, and I got to watch my brother play in the game last year, so it’s pretty cool.»
Raiola’s Polyneisan heritage and upbringing is something he cherishes. He was born in Hawaii and split time between there and Detroit for the first six or so years of his life.
«A big thing for me is family or Ohana,» Raiola said. «Growing up in Hawaii, you do anything for your family, whether it’s food or clothes, or whatever it may be. I feel like I can help others because of the way I grew up and the way my parents raised me.»
Dominic won the Rimington Trophy at Nebraska in 2000 and spent 14 seasons with the Detroit Lions after being selected in the second round of the draft. Dylan is a former 247Sports five-star quarterback in the 2024 class.
«Obviously my family played a role in me committing to Nebraska, my dad’s name is in the stadium, my brother is the quarterback there, and my uncle is the offensive line coach,» Raiola said. «It’s also a different kind of culture and going to be an elite level program. I think the new offensive coordinator, Dana Holgorsen, will really help elevate me as a player mentally and physically.»
Raiola will return to Nebraska this weekend.
«I get up there Friday for the elite junior day, and I’m excited to get back up there,» Raiola said.
Raiola explained what sort of signal-caller skill set he’ll bring to Honolulu next year.
«All quarterbacks love to throw the deep ball, and I feel like I can throw it pretty well,» Raiola said. «Just sitting back in the pocket and making the right reads, and overall having fun in what will be my last high school game and leaving a lasting impact. It’ll be the stadium (Kūnuiākea Stadium)where my mom went to high school and my parents got married. The got married on top of the hill there, it’s a pretty cool view overlooking Honolulu.»
Raiola says he’s currently checking in at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds.