BREAKING NEWS: 5-Star DL Demarcus Smith Decommits from UAB, Flips Commitment to Nebraska cornhusker Over Penn State and Tennessee………

In a shocking turn of events that has reverberated throughout the college football recruiting world, 5-star defensive lineman Demarcus Smith has officially decommitted from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and flipped his commitment to the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers. Smith’s sudden change of heart comes after weeks of mounting interest from multiple powerhouse programs, including Penn State and Tennessee, who were in hot pursuit of the 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive tackle. This high-profile flip has not only made waves within the recruiting world but also sent shockwaves through UAB’s football program, as they lose a top-tier recruit who had initially pledged to them months ago.

The Decommitment: A Major Blow to UAB

Demarcus Smith’s decision to backtrack from his commitment to UAB was one that surprised many, given his initial announcement in the summer, when he made it clear that he had found his future home with the Blazers. UAB had made significant strides in recent years, emerging as a competitive force within Conference USA and landing several highly-rated recruits. Smith, regarded as one of the top defensive linemen in the country, was a huge feather in their cap.

However, as the 2025 recruiting cycle continued to evolve, Smith began to receive more and more attention from blue-chip programs across the nation, with many seeing his potential as an immediate contributor at the collegiate level. This influx of attention created a whirlwind of recruiting activity around Smith, and by the time the season wound down, it was clear that his recruitment was far from over.

Smith’s decommitment from UAB marks a huge loss for the Blazers, who now must regroup and attempt to fill the void left by one of the most coveted recruits in their history. UAB’s coaching staff had worked tirelessly to secure Smith’s commitment, and their efforts appeared to be paying off. But the lure of bigger programs, along with the recruiting efforts of other schools, ultimately proved too strong.

The Flip to Nebraska: A Game-Changer for the Cornhuskers

For Nebraska, the flip of Demarcus Smith represents a massive win in their ongoing effort to rebuild and restore the program’s relevance in college football. Nebraska, long considered a dominant force in the sport’s history, has been rebuilding since the early 2000s. The program has experienced some ups and downs in recent years, but with the addition of Smith, the Cornhuskers could be on the brink of a major resurgence.

Smith’s commitment to Nebraska is being seen as a significant turning point for the program. Head coach Matt Rhule, who took over the Cornhuskers program in 2023, has been working tirelessly to turn Nebraska into a competitive contender in the Big Ten. His reputation for developing talented defensive players, along with his clear vision for the future of the program, has clearly resonated with Smith. The decision to choose Nebraska over other heavy hitters in the recruiting process, such as Penn State and Tennessee, shows that the Cornhuskers are on the rise and that they are positioning themselves to compete with the elite programs in the country.

The Cornhuskers’ defense is poised to get a major boost with Smith in the fold. His size, speed, and ability to disrupt offenses at the line of scrimmage make him a rare talent. As a 5-star recruit, Smith is expected to make an immediate impact on the defensive line, possibly earning significant playing time in his first season. His versatility allows him to play both as a defensive tackle and as an edge rusher, which adds flexibility to Nebraska’s defensive schemes. For the Cornhuskers, landing Smith is not just about filling a position—it’s about adding a game-changing player to the roster who can set the tone for the future.

The Battle with Penn State and Tennessee: How Nebraska Won Out

Although Nebraska ultimately secured Smith’s commitment, the battle for his services was far from easy. The 5-star recruit had already narrowed his options down to three schools: Nebraska, Penn State, and Tennessee. Each of these programs had their own strengths that they used to try and sway Smith.

Penn State, under head coach James Franklin, has established itself as a powerhouse in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions have a long-standing tradition of producing NFL-caliber defensive players, and their strong defensive schemes are attractive to recruits like Smith who want to make an immediate impact at the next level. Penn State’s stability and recent success made them a strong contender in the race for Smith’s services, but in the end, it was not enough to convince him to stay in the Big Ten East.

Tennessee, too, was a serious player in the recruitment of Smith. Under head coach Josh Heupel, the Volunteers have seen significant improvement in recent years, thanks in part to their explosive offense and ever-improving defense. Tennessee’s rise in the SEC and the lure of playing for a program with national championship aspirations was a major factor in Smith’s recruitment. However, despite Tennessee’s success, Smith ultimately felt that Nebraska offered the best fit for his future.

Nebraska’s pitch to Smith was centered on their defensive coaching staff, the opportunity for early playing time, and the overall vision for the program’s future. The Cornhuskers presented themselves as a team on the rise with a strong foundation for long-term success, making Smith’s decision to commit to them a logical one.

A Bright Future for Demarcus Smith

As Demarcus Smith prepares to take the next step in his football career at Nebraska, the expectations for him are high. He is expected to be a key contributor from day one, and with his exceptional skill set, Smith could emerge as one of the most dominant defensive players in college football over the next few years.

Nebraska fans are understandably excited about the addition of Smith to their roster, and the Cornhuskers’ recruiting momentum seems to be building at an impressive rate. The program is slowly but surely regaining its place among the elite in college football, and Smith’s commitment represents a key piece in the puzzle.

For Smith, the decision to flip his commitment may have been a difficult one, but it’s one that sets him up for success both on and off the field. With Nebraska offering a platform for national exposure, top-tier coaching, and a chance to play in one of the most competitive conferences in the country, Smith’s future in Lincoln is bright.

As the 2025 recruiting cycle continues to unfold, Demarcus Smith’s commitment to Nebraska will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about stories of the year, and it could be the first of many top-tier recruits that the Cornhuskers land as they work to restore

their prominence in college football.