Dawson Merritt is a rising, high-upside Nebraska linebacker with elite testing pop
Merritt’s 2025 Nebraska stat line was modest, but the bigger story is his athletic ceiling and development trajectory: he posted 4 solo tackles in limited action and reportedly hit a 37.1-inch vertical, a strong marker of explosiveness for a linebacker. At 6'3" and 225 pounds, he brings length, range, and upside that fit modern space-defending schemes, while his high-recruiting pedigree suggests real long-term starter potential. He looks like a good fit for a defense that values speed, upside, and special-teams impact while he grows into a bigger role.
