Missouri star edge transfer Damon Wilson II commits to Miami

Miami is reloading for another run at the College Football Playoff next year, and it got a big piece toward that goal by landing former Missouri EDGE Damon Wilson II out of the NCAA Transfer Portal, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

Wilson, a native of Venice (Fla.), spent one season with the Tigers after two years at Georgia, where he signed as a five-star recruit in the Class of 2023. He appeared in 26 games over two years with the Bulldogs, but finally broke out with the Tigers in 2025.

Across 13 games, he finished 23 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks to lead one of the nation’s best pass-rushing defenses. He was also credit with 54 quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, one of the highest rates in the entire country.

Wilson will now be looked upon to help replace the ‘Canes dynamic duo of Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain, who themselves combined for more than 110 tackles, 33 tackles for loss and 22 sacks this season. Mesidor himself tied for third nationally in sacks with 12.5 and helped turn Miami’s defensive line into one of the best in the nation.

The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder joins a group that is set to return former five-stars Justin Scott and Armondo Blount on the interior but will likely be replacing as many as eight starters leaving for graduation or the NFL Draft.

Hurricanes building another elite roster

Miami is also set to return former five-star edge rusher Marquise Lightfoot, who broke out in 2025 with 23 tackles, 5.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks. Along with Wilson, he creates one of the most intriguing pass-rush duos in the country heading into next season.

Wilson, meanwhile, will return to the Sunshine State for his final season of college football, getting a chance to play for Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor, who coaches the same position for the Hurricanes.

He ranks as the No. 6 overall player and No. 3 edge rusher in the portal this cycle. However, he might not be the only elite addition this offseason for the Hurricanes. They’re also considered the heavy favorite to sign Duke star quarterback transfer Darian Mensah, who announced his plans to enter the portal earlier this week.

However, his transfer is being contested by the Blue Devils, who were granted a temporary restraining order that prevents him from signing with a new school until at least February 2, the next court date in the process.

“Mr. Mensah has an existing contract with Duke which the university intends to honor, and we expect he will do the same,” Duke’s statement Wednesday read. “The court-ordered temporary restraining order (TRO) issued yesterday ensures he does not violate his contract. The university is committed to supporting all of our student-athletes, while expecting each of them to abide by their contractual obligations.”