Matt Rhule and Nebraska flip four-star Edge Dawson Merritt from Alabama
The hard work and persistence have paid off for Matt Rhule and Nebraska with Overland Park (Kan.) Blue Valley On300 edge rusher Dawson Merritt. Merritt committed to Alabama on June 26 after visiting Lincoln twice this year in April, including an official visit.
Nebraska has added a critical piece to the 2025 recruiting class with four-star Edge Dawson Merritt. Merritt committed to Alabama over Nebraska earlier this summer and visited other schools such as Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Iowa State, and others. The Huskers hosted Merritt twice in April, including an official visit during the spring game.
The Huskers renewed interest in Merritt in July, and he visited Nebraska in September to watch the game against Colorado. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule also watched Merritt play during the Huskers’ first bye week in October. Merritt plans to return to Nebraska for their last home game against Wisconsin.
Merritt will join On3 Industry Ranking four-star linebacker Christian Jones from Omaha (Neb.) Westside and On3 four-star linebacker Pierce Mooberry from Omaha (Neb.) Millard North in the 2025 class.
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During Merritt’s unofficial visit to Nebraska in April, he and his family connected with Nebraska starting quarterback Dylan Raiola and his family. Raiola hosted Merritt during his official visit to Nebraska’s spring game.
The Huskers could add several other targets to the 2025 class ahead of NLI day in December. Nebraska is also in on Florida State tight end commitment Chase Loftin from Omaha (Neb.) Millard South, Oklahoma wide receiver commitment Cortez Mills from Homestead (Fla.), California safety commitment Aiden Manutai and the nation’s No. 1 athlete Michael Terry III from San Antonio (Texas) Alamo Heights.
Merritt is the No. 108 overall prospect and No. 14 EDGE in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 4 player in Kansas.
