LINCOLN, Neb. – Four-star linebacker Dawson Merritt, a recruiting focus for Nebraska for more than a year, has switched his commitment from Alabama to the Huskers.

It’s an important win for Nebraska. Merritt, ranked No. 116 nationally by the 247Sports Composite, is the highest-rated player in the Huskers’ 20-man recruiting class for 2025. Early signing day is set for Dec. 4.

#AGTG Follow my heart❤️ https://t.co/4CElaUszGg

— Dawson Merritt (@dawsonxmerritt) November 14, 2024

Merritt, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound graduate of Blue Valley High School in Overland Park, Kansas, received an offer from Nebraska in November 2023. He visited Lincoln for the spring game in April, but committed to the Crimson Tide after a game in June. visit to the SEC program.

Nebraska increased the intensity of its pursuit following the July hiring of Jamar Mozee as senior offensive analyst. Mozee has served as a recruiting force in the Kansas City area for second-year Nebraska coach Matt Rhule.

Mozee’s son, wide receiver Isaiah Mozee of Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North, returned to Nebraska from Oregon. And offensive lineman Juju Marks of Olathe (Kan.) South switched from Kansas to the Huskers.

Merritt is the son of Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt. He joins Omaha linebackers Christian Jones and Pierce Mooberry in this class of 2025 for Nebraska. Both of their fathers played at Nebraska. Dave Merritt played at NC State and with the Dolphins and Cardinals in the NFL. Since 2019, he has coached for Andy Reid in Kansas City.

The upcoming offseason roster crisis has forced Nebraska to limit the size of its next signing. Wide receiver Bryson Hayes recently transferred from Nebraska to Kansas.

The group for Nebraska consists of at least nine players who will play defense in college.

The Huskers continue to recruit five-star athlete Michael Terry from San Antonio, and they are working on turning four-star tight end Chase Loftin from Millard South in Omaha. Loftin committed to Florida State in June.

(Photo: Kevin Jairaj / USA Today)