Arguably the best pass rusher in the transfer portal, Missouri pass rusher Damon Wilson II, is looking for a new team. With one year remaining, the six-foot-four, 250-pound edge rusher tallied nine sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss last season.
Ohio State
With Arvell Reese and Caden Curry leaving for the NFL, the Buckeyes find themselves sorely lacking pass-rush help. Oregon, Indiana, and Michigan are looking to permanently dislodge Ryan Day’s team from atop the Big Ten.
Wilson played the Jack position at Missouri, a role that relies on the ability to get upfield and, if the play calls for a zone blitz, drift into short coverage. The Buckeyes will pay portal premiums to bring him to Columbus, as he is a plug-and-play defender with double-digit sack potential.
USC
The Trojans hold down the No. 61 spot in PFSN CFB Defense Impact Rankings. Under head coach Lincoln Riley, the team prioritizes offense above all else; yet, to win playoff contests, you need a strong defense.
The team does not get home with any sort of regularity. When your leading pass rusher tallies just 5.5 sacks and the team nails down 31 overall, there is a problem. Much like Ohio State, a lucrative NIL deal awaits Wilson.
Ole Miss
This feels like the best spot. First, head coach Pete Golding is a defensive-minded coach. Next, his defense stresses versatility among his pass rushers. Wilson is more than just a “see ball, get ball” rusher. Instead, he blends a non-stop motor with surprising power that drives tackles backward.
More importantly, he knows how to untangle an arm that can make contact with the quarterback. Instead of taking a step back and reassessing after the College Football Playoff, Golding attacked the portal with abandon.
Out of a 4-2-5, Wilson would play equal parts with his hand in the dirt or from a two-point stance. Along with shifting him along the line of scrimmage, he will make the most of the opportunity.
Colorado
If you look at the state of the Buffaloes, you see the need for drastic improvement. They just graduated five players and lost nine to the portal. Wholesale changes cannot be avoided.
Furthermore, Colorado struggles with stopping anyone upfront. Now, for the next year, Wilson provides a temple, a burst that could open the door for further transfers. Plus, in all honesty, Colorado cannot withstand another losing season.
Texas
After discussing his issues with the transfer portal, head coach Steve Sarkisian jumped in feet first. One of the most significant signings is wide receiver Cam Coleman, who gives Arch Manning a No. 1 wideout. No one would be happier than Colin Simmons.
Last year, offenses funneled protection toward him, and the Longhorns could not capitalize. Instead, they relied on linebackers blitzing, which created holes in coverage that were exploited.
