Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II returns to Florida as a formidable pass rusher, poised to flourish under Jason Taylor and fill the void left by NFL-bound stars.
Miami, Fla. – Regardless of what others may think, the transfer portal has become a valuable resource for all of college sports. Certainly, adding structure would benefit every program and player, but it has given student-athletes a sense of responsibility to make a big decision.
In football, the Miami Hurricanes signed 13 new players through the portal, including All-Atlantic Coast Conference quarterback Darian Mensah. Coming off its first National Championship appearance since 2002, the Coral Gables program is looking to remain competitive.
A significant portion of last season’s success came from a resurging defense under first-year defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman. Plus, having two dominant edge rushers in Akheem Mesidor and All-American Rueben Bain Jr. made things easier. As both departed to separate NFL journeys–selected as first-rounders–the Hurricanes already have in-house talent looking to fill the void, plus the addition of senior Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II.
The local Venice native had a career season on the Tigers: 23 total tackles, nine solos and 14 assists, 9.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and a three-yard interception against the Vanderbilt Commodores in 13 games, all starts. He earned Second Team All-Southeastern Conference honors.
After entering the transfer portal on Jan. 6, Wilson II committed to the Hurricanes a couple of weeks later. He joins a program becoming an attractive destination for edge rushers. Mesidor and Bain Jr. were among the most highlighted defensive players in college football. They rose to stardom under defensive line coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor.
As both former Hurricanes officially depart, Wilson II is looking to take the same successful path. Given the new situation, he’s projected as one of the biggest breakout candidates for the upcoming 2026-27 season, according to Fox Sports.
Coming from Venice High School, Wilson II was a five-star recruit and considered one of the best pure pass rushers among the 2023 class. In four seasons, he logged 269 total tackles, 157 solos and 112 assists, 37 tackles for loss, 31 sacks, 36 hurries, four passes defended, and one interception in 44 games, according to MaxPreps. The Hurricanes presented him with a scholarship offer, but the highly touted prospect would commit and sign with the Georgia Bulldogs.
Nearly three years later, Wilson II returns to his home state with a chance to compete for a National Championship.
The Hurricanes have a couple of other exciting edge rushers in junior Marquise Lightfoot and redshirt freshman Hayden Lowe. However, this will likely be Wilson II’s final year in college football–barring any significant injury–before entering the 2027 NFL Draft. This upcoming season will be an opportunity for him to raise his stock and emerge as a household name.
- Several Miami Hurricanes baseball players earned All-ACC honors, including a few first-timers.
- The Miami Hurricanes basketball program is reportedly scheduled to open the upcoming season against an in-state rival.
- Coach Mario Cristobal believes the Miami Hurricanes should face an in-state rival every year.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
