Northwestern Football lands commitment flip from linebacker Parker Maiers

Maiers, a standout linebacker from Indiana, switches his commitment from Dartmouth to join the Wildcats' 2026 recruiting class.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:54pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-tackle, with the player's body and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.A talented linebacker's commitment flip to Northwestern adds depth and versatility to the Wildcats' defensive unit.Indianapolis Today

Indianapolis (Ind.) Brebeuf linebacker Parker Maiers has flipped his commitment from Dartmouth to join Northwestern's 2026 recruiting class, becoming the 23rd commit for head coach David Braun and the Wildcats. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Maiers is excited about the opportunity to play at the highest level of college football and cited Northwestern's strong academics and football program as key factors in his decision.

Why it matters

Flipping a commitment is a significant recruiting win for Northwestern, as the Wildcats continue to build momentum in the 2026 cycle. Maiers is a highly-touted linebacker prospect from Indiana who will bolster the Wildcats' defensive unit.

The details

As a senior at Brebeuf High School, Maiers recorded 80 tackles and three forced fumbles in 10 games. He also rushed for 212 yards and two touchdowns. Maiers emerged as a top prospect in Indiana over the past few seasons, racking up 144 tackles as a junior and 152 tackles as a sophomore.

  • Maiers flipped his commitment from Dartmouth to Northwestern on April 2, 2026.
  • Maiers will be back in Evanston this weekend to watch Northwestern's spring practice.

The players

Parker Maiers

A 6-foot-1, 220-pound linebacker from Indianapolis (Ind.) Brebeuf High School who has flipped his commitment from Dartmouth to join Northwestern's 2026 recruiting class.

David Braun

The head coach of the Northwestern football team, who has secured Maiers' commitment as the 23rd player in the Wildcats' 2026 recruiting class.

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What they’re saying

“Playing at the highest level of college football has always been a dream of mine and Northwestern gave me that opportunity.”

— Parker Maiers, Linebacker

“Not only do they have amazing academics but have a great football program. Their staff has been nothing but welcoming to me and my family.”

— Parker Maiers, Linebacker

What’s next

Maiers will be back in Evanston this weekend to watch Northwestern's spring practice as he prepares to join the Wildcats' program.

The takeaway

Northwestern continues to build a strong 2026 recruiting class with the addition of Parker Maiers, a talented linebacker from Indiana who was previously committed to Dartmouth. Maiers' flip is a significant win for the Wildcats as they look to bolster their defensive unit for the future.