
In a significant development in college football recruiting, four-star defensive end London Merritt has decommitted from Ohio State University. Merritt, ranked as the No. 52 overall prospect and the No. 5 defensive end in the 2025 ESPN 300, announced his decision on November 26, 2024, via social media. He expressed gratitude towards Ohio State’s coaching staff, stating, “This was not an easy decision, as I have immense respect for Coach [Larry] Johnson, Coach [Ryan] Day, and the coaching staff.” ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/story/_/id/42625441/de-london-merritt-no-52-recruit-decommits-ohio-state?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Merritt’s decommitment comes amid a strong recruiting push from the University of Colorado, led by head coach Deion Sanders. Over the past two months, Merritt has taken two official visits to Colorado, in October and November. He noted, “Colorado is doing a great job in recruiting me and making my head turn different ways. They’re building something great and I definitely can see myself [being] a part of that process.” ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/story/_/id/42625441/de-london-merritt-no-52-recruit-decommits-ohio-state?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Just two days after his decommitment, on November 28, 2024, Merritt announced his commitment to Colorado during an interview on the “Nightcap” podcast with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson. He stated, “At the end of the day, it was just a business decision for me. I had to bet on myself and I felt like it was just a better fit for me and Colorado defense with their staff and everything in that nature.” ([sportskeeda.com](https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/high-school-sports/at-end-day-business-decision-me-4-star-edge-london-merritt-breaks-decision-flip-coach-prime-s-colorado?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Merritt’s departure marks the second top-100 prospect to decommit from Ohio State’s 2025 class in November, following four-star defensive end Zahir Mathis. These decommitments leave the Buckeyes with only one defensive end, Zion Grady, in their 2025 recruiting class as the early signing period approaches. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/story/_/id/42625441/de-london-merritt-no-52-recruit-decommits-ohio-state?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
For Colorado, Merritt’s commitment is a significant addition to their 2025 class, which has seen a surge in high-profile commitments, including five-star quarterback Julian Lewis. Merritt becomes the second-highest-rated prospect in Colorado’s 2025 recruiting class, underscoring the program’s rising prominence under Coach Sanders. ([elevenwarriors.com](https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football-recruiting/2024/11/151117/former-ohio-state-defensive-end-commit-london-merritt-announces-colorado-commitment-two-days-after?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
As the early signing period approaches, both programs will be closely watched to see how they adjust their recruiting strategies in response to these developments.