It’s flip season so it shouldn’t be much of a shocker. But for someone to choose a 5-5 program over an 8-2 team raises eyebrows. Matt Rhule and Nebraska relentlessly pursued the No. 16 LB of the 2025 class even after he signed with Kalen DeBoer and Alabama back in June. But beyond the stirring announcement, let’s get some insight on what propelled Dawson Merritt’s flip decision. 

Following his viral flip from Alabama, 4-instar LB Dawson Merritt appeared in a YouTube episode on Carriker Chronicles on November 19 to reveal the reason behind his choice. And it’s Dylan Raiola. We have to give credit. He said, “Two guys I’d say that I’ve gotten to know real well is Dylan Raiola and Mikai Gbayor, linebacker and obviously the quarterback. Dylan, my first time visiting Nebraska, he basically just took me because his dad played in the league and my dad coached in the league.”

Even the tiniest connections can forge unity. Dawson Merritt’s father, Dave Merritt, is a former NFL player and current defensive backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. As stated by Merritt, he shares a “little tiny bit of connection” with the Cornhuskers QB’s father Dominic Raiola who played 14 seasons in the NFL. 

It’s not hard to see why he feels welcome at Nebraska as the K-State native said, “Since my first day on Nebraska, I went to [Raiola’s] dorm. He was my host on my OV. He texts me all the time. He texts my parents as well just trying to land me.” He also credited LB Mikai Gbayor’s warm welcome, saying that he made him “feel approved by all the defensive guys.” But Huskers fans, this commitment from Merritt shouldn’t be the sole reason to celebrate. 

Nebraska’s recruiting outlook looks bright

Dawson Merritt is the 20th commitment on Nebraska’s 2025 recruitment class which ranks 20th nationally. In a class devoid of 5-star players, he joins six other 4-star commits and 13 3-star players. But the prospect is still bright for Matt Rhule and the Huskers. The latest Nebraska commit also brought more good news with him. He says that he knows at least two more potential “huge gets” for the Huskers who could be on their way to Lincoln. 

There’s no reason why Dawson Merritt could regret his decision. Dylan Raiola welcomed him to the team by giving him a “Let’s go my guy” shoutout on social media following his flip. And the infamous Huskers fanbase? Hear it from Merritt who said, “There’s no fanbase like Nebraska’s fanbase. 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.” Can Merritt and his batch of 2025 commits write a different story for Nebraska next year?