Alabama in Danger of Losing Commit Dawson Merritt after Family Ties to Big 10 Rivals Revealed

Rumors are swirling that Alabama may lose a highly touted football recruit after bombshell reports reveal his family's deep ties to the Big Ten conference.

Dawson Merritt, a four-star quarterback from Tennessee, committed to Alabama in June. However, new information has emerged that may jeopardize his future with the Crimson Tide.

Merritt's father, David, played quarterback at Michigan from 1998-2001, while his uncle, Jon, played defensive back for the Wolverines from 1996-1999. Additionally, Merritt's high school coach, Rusty Bradley, played quarterback for Ohio State from 1996-2000.

This strong connection to Big Ten schools has led many to speculate that Merritt may flip his commitment especially with Michigan and Ohio State battling Alabama for national championships for the past several seasons.

If Merritt were to decommit from Alabama, it would be a significant setback for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide. Merritt is one of the highest-rated quarterback recruits in the country and is considered a future star at the college level.

It is important to not discount the fact that Merritt made a commitment to the Tide. While his family did play for Big Ten schools, it is possible he could see Alabama as the best place to develop as a football player especially after the Tide got Bryce Young ready to be a Heisman winner in only one season as a starter.

It is also worth noting that Merritt is not the only player with family ties to other schools. Many top recruits have parents or siblings who played at different colleges. However, the fact that Merritt's family has such strong ties to Michigan and Ohio State certainly makes the situation worth monitoring.

Alabama fans will be closely watching this situation in the coming weeks and months. If Merritt does flip his commitment, it would be a big blow to the Crimson Tide's 2024 recruiting class.