Alabama football lost a second 2025 commitment in as many days on Thursday, when outside linebacker Dawson Merritt flipped to Nebraska. The news came one day after wide receiver Caleb Cunningham flipped to Ole Miss.

Merritt announced the news on social media in conjunction with Hayes Fawcett of On3.

“Following my heart,” Merritt said in a post.

Merritt is listed as a four-star prospect by 247Sports’ composite rankings. The service lists him as the No. 13 linebacker in the 2025 class, No. 116 player overall.

He had been committed to Alabama since June.

“Long, athletic linebacker prospect who can play a variety of roles within a defense,” 247Sports national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu wrote in his evaluation of Merritt. “Used in high school as a stand-up outside edge rusher and shows quickness off the snap, fluidity, bend and closing speed. Also showed he could drop into space and be an asset in coverage. Plays with good discipline and control. Has good change of direction and can stay with ball carriers looking to put a move on him.”

Merritt’s departure from the 2025 class dropped Alabama’s group to third in the 247Sports team rankings. Georgia passed UA, with Ohio State in the top spot, after the Buckeyes moved past the Crimson Tide on Wednesday with Cunningham’s flip.

LSU sits one spot behind the Crimson Tide in those rankings, with Texas rounding out the top five. Auburn is sixth.

The Alabama class now has 21 commitments. The early signing period for the class of 2025 begins Dec. 4.