Although Ding Dong Ditching is an illegal prank, it looks like someone just pulled it off with an SEC top pistol. This season’s recruits aren’t afraid to change their decision and the latest to do so is Dawson Merritt, the highly touted four-star linebacker. He just transferred 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’s win against the Colorado Buffaloes in September and later Nebraska HC, Matt Rhule, went to watch the linebacker’s play in October. So is it really surprising to see him freak out? He is the 20th entrant into Nebraska’s 2025 recruiting class. The Cornhuskers are currently in the top 2o of the Rivals team recruiting rankings.

Merritt’s turn is actually a big deal because if Nebraska wants to return to the national stage, they’re going to need elite talent from the Midwest.

On3’s Hayes Fawcett wrote on social media sharing the news of Dawson Merritt’s cover: “BREAKING: Four-star EDGE Dawson Merritt has switched 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. “I trust the Lord to lead me on 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 Midwest class. We are sure Head Coach Matt Rhule is very happy with this. He seems to be great at turning players around.

Let’s not forget that Rhule flipped Dylan Raiola from Georgia to Nebraska last year. But with Dawson Merritt’s latest turnover, the QB had a say. He took to his Instagram stories to celebrate and shouted out Dawson Merritt. Let’s go, my man,’ read his caption. But what does Merritt think of Raiola?

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

He also shared his thoughts about Rhule. “He’s a player’s coach. His relationship with every player is great…Matt Rhule can talk to anyone. There isn’t a single conversation involving Matt Rhule that is awkward. He will always be a straight shooter, but he is also a funny guy and it is always great to be on the phone with him.”

Merritt seems happy with his decision, but it didn’t come out of the blue. After initially settling in Alabama, the Kansas native had been heavily recruited by Nebraska for over a year, with the program keeping him on their radar since November 2023. Nebraska’s recruiting game went into overdrive when they hired Jamar Mozee. Landing a player of Merritt’s caliber is a gamechanger for Nebraska’s 2025 class. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound linebacker from Blue Valley High in Overland Park brings both size and skill to the Huskers’ defense.

However, it appears that Dylan Raiola has paved the way and his support for Merritt could signal a new era for Nebraska, where elite recruits not only settle for high-powered programs but also join Rhule’s vision for a comeback . At 5-4 overall, they are nowhere in the CFP conversation and conference contention the Cornhuskers so desperately need.

What does Nebraska get with four-star lead Dawson Merritt?

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

Merritt said: “My main thing is that I’m a very relational guy. The more people I talk to, the more people I feel comfortable with, the more I feel wanted, and the more I feel 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 chose basketball over football but gave Gridiron a try 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 has a good one here.

Furthermore, Merritt is known for his versatility. He also has the arm length, bend and speed necessary for a good pass rusher. It weighs over 200 pounds, so you can assume it could carry another 20 to 30 pounds. But strength coach Corey Campbell might want a little more muscle mass. If that’s the case, Merritt could also play as an off-ball linebacker like John Bullock does.

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

“There’s no fan base like Nebraska’s,” Merritt told On3. “The love they show and show to the players is unlike any other. They are invested. Nebraska Football is their team… They really put everything into Husker Football.”