This week has not been kind towards the Crimson Tide in recruiting, as we learned that 2025 five-star receiver Caleb Cunningham flipped his commitment from the Crimson Tide to SEC foe Ole Miss.

The Tide received more crushing news as yet another commitment flip has taken place, this time on the defensive side of the ball in a crucial position. 2025 four-star edge rusher Dawson Merritt has now flipped from the Crimson Tide and has verbally committed to Nebraska, per Chad Simmons.

“Attending Nebraska will give me a better opportunity to build my faith,” Merritt told On3. “Coach Ron Brown, coach Troy Vincent Jr.and coach Jamar Mozee are three guys that I talk to at least once a week about things in my life, stuff that goes on in their lives and chapel that they have. They like to reach out and send me scriptures and prayers. They’ve given me a feeling that I’m going to be able to grow my faith greatly there.

“Also, I want to be a part of building something. I think that Nebraska has a bright future and I think it’d be really cool to be a part of changing that program. Then, I have great relationships there… I’m close to more than 10 guys at Nebraska. I can’t match that. I feel loved and I love a lot of those guys.”

What really sold Merritt to consider a change was the Cornhuskers win against Colorado back on September 7th, according to Simmons. Merritt is a huge believer in Dylan Raiola.

“What excites me the most about Nebraska is Dylan Raiola,” Merritt said. “He’s a quarterback who’s improving. As a freshman, there are going to be struggles and he has had some struggles, but I have faith in him, the offense and Matt Rhule that they’re going to get it done.”