Dawson Merritt: The Reasons I Chose to Decommit from Alabama and Join the Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Team
In a bold move that sent ripples through college football recruiting circles, four-star linebacker Dawson Merritt, one of the top recruits in the 2025 class, announced he was decommitting from the University of Alabama and committing to the University of Nebraska. His decision, while surprising to many, stems from a combination of factors that ultimately led Merritt to choose the Cornhuskers over the Crimson Tide.
Merritt, originally from the state of Georgia, had verbally committed to Alabama in 2024, citing its rich history and culture of success as major reasons behind his decision. But as he entered the next phase of his recruitment, Merritt realized that his heart was leading him in a different direction. “I took a step back and really evaluated what would be best for me, both on and off the field,” Merritt shared in an exclusive interview. “The more I thought about it, the more I realized that Nebraska, with its coaching staff, family-like atmosphere, and culture, felt like the right fit for me.”
While Alabama undoubtedly boasts one of the most prestigious football programs in the country, Merrittβs decision was heavily influenced by his relationship with Nebraskaβs coaching staff, particularly head coach Matt Rhule. Rhule, known for his turnaround success at both Temple and Baylor, made a strong impression on Merritt during his recruitment. “Coach Rhule is the real deal,” Merritt explained. “He’s built programs from the ground up, and I want to be a part of that transformation at Nebraska.”
The Nebraska Cornhuskers, long considered a program in rebuilding mode, have shown significant improvement under Rhuleβs leadership. Merritt sees this as an opportunity to help elevate the team to new heights. “I want to be part of a program thatβs on the rise, and I know that Nebraska is heading in the right direction,” Merritt said. “This is a chance for me to contribute to something special and make an impact.”
Another key factor in Merritt’s decision was his desire for early playing time. With Alabama’s depth chart stacked with talent, Merritt believed that he could make a more immediate impact at Nebraska. “I want to come in and play early,” Merritt stated. “Nebraska has a great opportunity for me to step in and make a difference right away.”
Merritt also emphasized the importance of the fan base and the environment at Nebraska. “The fans are incredible, and the passion for football is unmatched. It’s a place where I feel I can grow as both a player and a person,” he said.
As Merritt embarks on his journey with the Cornhuskers, he remains focused on his development and the future. “I’m excited to join Nebraska and help them get back to national prominence,” Merritt concluded. “This is just the beginning, and I canβt wait to get started.”
