When Damon Wilson, an EDGE rusher for the Missouri Tigers, decided to enter the transfer portal, he quickly moved up the rankings of many teams.
Wilson played one season at Missouri after spending the previous two seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs. He had an impressive year, finishing with 23 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks.
He ranked third on the team in tackles for loss but led the team in total tackles. According to On3, he is ranked as the second-best player available in the transfer portal, after former Ole Miss Rebels EDGE rusher Princewill Umanmielen.
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The LSU Tigers, led by head coach Lane Kiffin, were initially considered contenders for Wilson's services after he visited Baton Rouge. However, according to On3's Pete Nakos, the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Miami Hurricanes are now in the running for the talented pass rusher, while the Tigers are no longer a contender. This is likely due to LSU pursuing Umanmielen, given his history with Kiffin.
Wilson’s emergence in the portal underscores the premium placed on proven edge rushers in today’s college football landscape. After developing at Georgia and producing immediately at Missouri, he has positioned himself as a plug-and-play defender capable of changing games.
Texas Tech and Miami each offer Wilson a chance to anchor their defensive fronts and become the focal point of their pass rush. For programs looking to close the gap with conference contenders, adding a disruptive edge presence like Wilson could be a season-altering move.
With LSU reportedly out of the race, Wilson’s recruitment appears to be narrowing quickly. A decision could come sooner rather than later, and wherever he lands, expectations will be high for immediate impact in 2026.