In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, five-star linebacker Dawson Merritt has announced his commitment to the Nebraska Cornhuskers, choosing the Big Ten program over powerhouse schools like Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Merritt, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker from St. Louis, Missouri, is widely regarded as one of the top defensive recruits in the nation. His decision to pledge to Nebraska marks a major victory for head coach Matt Rhule and the Cornhuskers, who have been working tirelessly to build a competitive program under Rhule’s leadership.
Throughout his recruitment, Merritt was pursued by some of the most storied programs in college football, but Nebraska was able to secure his commitment, shocking many who had pegged the Buckeyes, Crimson Tide, Bulldogs, or Volunteers as the likely destination. Merritt’s ability to play sideline-to-sideline, his explosive athleticism, and his relentless motor made him one of the most coveted players in the 2025 class.
“After considering all my options, Nebraska just felt like the right fit for me,” Merritt said in a statement. “Coach Rhule and the staff have a vision for the future that I want to be a part of. I’m excited to help bring this program back to the top.”
Merritt’s commitment is a major boost for Nebraska’s defense, and his arrival will bolster an already strong recruiting class that Rhule is assembling. The Cornhuskers’ defense is poised for a significant upgrade, with Merritt expected to make an immediate impact upon his arrival.
Nebraska fans are already celebrating the addition of one of the nation’s top prospects, and Merritt’s commitment adds even more excitement to the future of Cornhusker football.
