Miami just landed a major piece for its defense - and it’s a name fans in the Sunshine State might already know well. Former Missouri edge rusher Damon Wilson II is heading to Coral Gables, giving the Hurricanes one of the top defensive additions in this portal cycle.
This is a big win for Miami, especially considering they beat out Ohio State for Wilson’s commitment. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound edge rusher is a Florida native - a Venice High School product - and now he’s coming home with serious momentum after a breakout season in the SEC.
Wilson originally started his college career at Georgia, where he spent two years developing in a loaded defensive room. But it was in 2025, after transferring to Missouri, that he really put it all together. He posted 9 sacks, 23 tackles, and forced a pair of fumbles, putting himself squarely on the radar as one of the most disruptive edge players in the country.
The numbers back it up. Wilson led the Tigers in pressures (54) and quarterback hurries (37), showing a knack for not just getting into the backfield, but living there. His game is built on explosive burst and raw power - the kind of traits that don’t just show up on tape, they jump off it.
That makes him a perfect fit for what new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman wants to build at Miami. Hetherman’s scheme thrives on aggression, and Wilson brings exactly that.
He’s the type of edge rusher who forces offensive coordinators to account for him on every snap. Whether it’s collapsing the pocket or setting the edge in the run game, he brings a level of disruption that can tilt a game.
And let’s not forget - this is a player who was a five-star recruit coming out of high school, ranked among the top 50 prospects in the 2023 class. His return to Florida, especially to a program looking to elevate its defensive identity, feels like a full-circle moment.
Wilson also shares a connection with Miami’s future - he played at Venice High, the same school as incoming freshman edge rusher Asharri Charles. That pipeline could be something to watch, but in the immediate term, Wilson’s arrival gives the Hurricanes a proven, high-upside pass rusher ready to make an impact from day one.
For Miami, this isn’t just a splashy portal addition. It’s a statement. They’re building a defense with teeth, and Damon Wilson II might just be the edge they’ve been missing.