Flipping season has started and it just got real Nebraska. Four-star outside linebacker Dawson Merritt has announced he has transferred Alabama to the Huskers.

Merritt had long been a target for the Huskers and remained a priority even after his initial commitment to Alabama.

The four-star Overland Park (Kan.) Blue Valley are the 20th commit for Nebraska’s 2025 recruiting class. The class currently ranks in the top 20 of the Rivals team recruiting rankings.

When Nebraska returns to the national stage, part of the story will be that the program began bringing in elite talent from the Midwest. So it’s a big deal that the Huskers were able to turn things around with Merritt, who has been among the best players in the region this cycle.

Merritt joins offensive lineman Julian Marks, linebacker Christian Jones, running back Jamarion Parker, defensive lineman Tyson Terry and wide receiver Isaiah Mozee as four-stars in the Midwest class. That’s a great achievement for Rhule as he rebuilds the program.

This dedication also shows something else important to Rhule. He can bring in players who want to go to elite programs. The relationship between Rhule and the Merritt family is fantastic. That’s because of Rhule’s ability to connect and how he continued to keep Dawson even after committing to Alabama.

Versatility is the name of the game for Merritt. He’s exactly the type of potential defensive chess piece that defensive coordinator Tony White enjoys coaching. The Kansas native has the arm length, bend and speed that could make him a good pass rusher. There are times when he showed that ability when I saw him play in person this season.

But Merritt has a frame (6-3, 200) that can probably carry 20-30 more pounds. Strength coach Corey Campbell will want to give him some extra muscle before he takes the field in Lincoln. If that happens, Merritt could also be a player who plays off-ball linebacker, like John Bullock currently plays for the team.