Missouri Tigers edge rusher Damon Wilson enters transfer portal. It’s a big loss

Missouri’s defensive front suffered another major loss Tuesday.

Edge rusher Damon Wilson II, the Tigers’ leading pass rusher from the 2025 season, has entered the NCAA transfer portal, he confirmed on social media, creating another hole in a position group already facing heavy turnover heading into 2026.

Wilson transferred to Missouri from Georgia prior to the 2025 season and quickly became one of the most impactful defenders on the roster. He finished the year with 20 total tackles, a team-high nine sacks and one interception, while ranking among the SEC’s most productive edge rushers. Pro Football Focus graded Wilson as the No. 33 overall pass rusher nationally and charted him with 54 total pressures across the season.

His decision comes after months of speculation surrounding his future. Wilson was widely viewed as a potential early NFL Draft pick and was among the players for whom Missouri solicited feedback from the NFL advisory council. It appears he will use his final year of eligibility elsewhere.

Wilson’s departure leaves Mizzou without both of its starting edge rushers from last season, as Zion Young exhausted his eligibility.

The departure of Wilson, who is 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, follows the portal exits of Nate Johnson and Javion Hilson, pushing defensive end to the top of Missouri’s offseason priority list as the winter transfer window remains open through Jan. 16.

Missouri has also lost starting safety Marvin Burks Jr. to the transfer portal, continuing a stretch of offseason turnover on the defensive side of the ball. Following Wilson’s departure, it can be expected that the Tigers will be active adding defensive depth via the portal in the coming days.