Missouri’s outlook for the 2026 season takes a significant hit as the Tigers are set to lose one of their most important defensive pieces to the transfer portal, with the standout edge rusher reportedly heading to Miami.
After emerging as one of the SEC’s most disruptive defenders in 2025, Damon Wilson II had become the cornerstone of Mizzou’s defensive vision moving forward. Coaches and fans alike viewed him as the player the Tigers could build around on the defensive front, with expectations that his elite pass-rushing ability would anchor the unit and help elevate Missouri into true SEC contention in 2026.
The former five-star recruit delivered on that promise during a breakout season, earning second-team All-SEC honors and establishing himself as one of the league’s most feared edge rushers. He consistently overwhelmed offensive tackles, finished among the SEC leaders in sacks, and led the Tigers in quarterback pressures, providing a game-changing presence that opposing offenses had to account for on every snap.
Missouri had hoped his return would bring stability and leadership to a defense facing turnover elsewhere on the roster. Instead, his reported decision to move on leaves a major void, forcing the Tigers to scramble for answers along the defensive line and re-evaluate their plans heading into the offseason.
Now expected to continue his career at Miami, the 6-foot-4, 250-pound defender will look to help the Hurricanes build on their recent national title game appearance. For Missouri, however, the loss of a five-star talent who represented the foundation of its 2026 aspirations highlights the harsh reality of the transfer portal and creates one of the program’s biggest challenges entering next season.
