After stars depart, Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Damon Wilson II aims to shine, potentially following them into the 2027 NFL Draft's first round.
Miami, FL. – The Miami Hurricanes star duo of edge rushers, Akheem Mesidor and All-American Rueben Bain Jr., were both selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. After finding success together, the collegiate stars will move on separately, looking to carve out long and effective professional careers. After departing from the program, newly-added edge rusher Damon Wilson II looks to take a similar path.
The 21-year-old joined the Hurricanes through the transfer portal, spending last season with the Missouri Tigers. He recorded 23 total tackles, nine solos and 14 assists, 9.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two passes defended, and a three-yard interception, starting in all 13 games. Wilson II earned Second Team All-SEC honors. As Mesidor and Bain Jr. move on to new chapters in football, he looks to increase on-field production and climb the boards as a prospect.
Wilson II joins the Hurricanes as a senior, having no extra NCAA eligibility remaining. After next season, he will likely declare for the 2027 NFL Draft. There currently might not be a ton of draft stock on Wilson II, but learning under defensive line coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor could change that.
In a “way-too-early” mock draft by The Athletic, the newest member of the Hurricanes is projected to be selected by the New England Patriots with the No. 25 pick.
“Missouri’s leader in sacks last season with nine,” Lead NFL Draft Analyst Dane Brugler wrote. “Wilson has the unenviable task of filling the shoes of Bain and Mesidor – but he has the talent to make a name for himself.”
Wilson II has a quick burst to get past offensive tackles and pressure quarterbacks, but can develop a deeper bag of hand-fighting techniques. He can play on either end, but needs to improve on counter moves, add physical strength, and show leadership on and off the field.
Coming off a National Championship appearance, the Hurricanes will provide a stage for Wilson II to display improvements and talents. He will need to live up to significant standards, especially by trying to fill the voids Mesidor and Bain Jr. left behind.
The team’s scoring defense ranked fifth in the Football Bowl Subdivision after being No. 70 the previous year. After retaining key secondary players, plus defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. in the upfront, the Hurricanes’ defensive production is expected to translate over to next season, with chances of improvement.
If Wilson II manages to play a significant role in the team’s success, which is expected, it will carve out a pathway to becoming a first-round selection.
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