While Ding Dong Ditching is an illegal prank, it seems someone just pulled it on an SEC top gun. Recruits this season are not scared to change their decision and the latest one to do so is Dawson Merritt, the highly touted four-star linebacker. He just flipped from Alabama to Nebraska. He had been a priority for the Nebraska Cornhuskers even after his initial commitment to Alabama.

Merritt went to watch Nebraska win against the Colorado Buffaloes in September and later Nebraska HC, Matt Rhule, went to watch the linebacker play in October. So is it really surprising to see him flip? He is the 20th commitment for Nebraska’s 2025 recruiting class. The Cornhuskers currently sit inside the top 2o of the Rivals team recruiting rankings.

Merritt’s flip is actually a big deal because if Nebraska wants to get back to the national scene, they will need elite talent from the Midwest.

So breaking the news about Dawson Merritt’s flip, On3’s Hayes Fawcett wrote on social media, “BREAKING: Four-Star EDGE Dawson Merritt has Flipped his Commitment from Alabama to Nebraska, he tells me for @on3recruits. The 6’3 215 EDGE from Overland Park, KS had been Committed to the Crimson Tide since June. “Trusting that the Lord is guiding me down the right path. GBR❤️🤍 Proverbs 3:5-6”.”

The athlete will join linebacker Christian Jones, offensive lineman Julian Marks, running back Jamarion Parker, defensive lineman Tyson Terry, and also wide receiver Isaiah Mozee as four-stars in the class from the Midwest. We are sure Head Coach Matt Rhule is quite happy about this. He seems to be great at flipping players.

Let us not forget that last year, Rhule flipped Dylan Raiola from Georgia to Nebraska. But with Dawson Merritt’s latest flip, the QB had something to say. He took to his Instagram stories to celebrate and gave Dawson Merritt a shout-out. Let’s go my guy,” his caption read. But what does Merritt think about Raiola?

In his interview with On3, while talking about his flip, he also talked about the QB1. “What excites me the most about Nebraska is Dylan Raiola… He’s a quarterback who’s improving. As a freshman, there are going to be struggles and he has had some struggles, but I have faith in him, the offense, and Matt Rhule that they’re going to get it done.”

Additionally, he also shared his thoughts about Rhule. “He’s a player’s coach. His relationship with every single player is amazing… Matt Rhule can talk to anyone. There is no conversation that involves Matt Rhule that is awkward. He’s going to be a straight shooter all of the time, but he’s also a funny guy and it’s always great being on the phone with him.”

Merritt seems happy with his decision, but it didn’t come out of thin air. After initially committing to Alabama, the Kansas native had been heavily recruited by Nebraska for over a year, with the program keeping him on their radar since at least November 2023. Nebraska’s recruitment game went through full throttle when they hired Jamar Mozee. Flipping a player of Merritt’s caliber is a game-changer for Nebraska’s 2025 class. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound linebacker from Blue Valley High in Overland Park brings both size and skill to the Huskers’ defense.

However, it looks like Dylan Raiola paved the way and his support for Merritt might be hinting at a new era for Nebraska where elite recruits don’t just settle for powerhouse programs but buy into Rhule’s vision for a comeback. With an overall 5-4, they are nowhere in the CFP conversation and conference contention which the Cornhuskers desperately need.

What does Nebraska get with the four-star edge, Dawson Merritt?

The four-star’s initial decision back in June came down to the Huskers and Crimson Tide, where he initially sided with Kalen DeBoer’s program. But a tight relationship between the coach and players in Nebraska is what helped Merritt make a decision.

Merritt said, “My main thing, I’m a very relational guy, the more people I talk to, the more people I feel comfortable with, the more I feel that I’m wanted, and the more I feel like I’m at home and comfortable.”

The opportunity to contribute early to Nebraska was a selling point for Rhule and Company.

Did you know that Merritt, the son of Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach David Merritt, initially pursued basketball over football but gave gridiron a shot in high school and found success? He broke out as a junior, recording 83 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and three forced fumbles. Well, Rhule’s got a good one here.

Further, Merritt is known for his versatility. He also has the arm length, bend, and quickness needed for a good pass rusher. He weighs more than 200 pounds, so, one can assume he would be able to hold 20-30 more pounds. But strength coach Corey Campbell might want some more muscle mass on him. If that’s the case, then Merritt could also play as an off-ball linebacker like how John Bullock does.

Well, it will be interesting to see what happens further. But for now, Merritt is excited about his upcoming visit to Nebraska. He will watch Nebraska’s game against Wisconsin on November 23.

“There’s no fanbase like Nebraska’s fanbase,” Merritt told On3. “The love that they show the players and commits is unlike any other. They’re invested. Nebraska football is their team… They really put their all into Husker Football.”