Over the course of just 24 hours, Miami and Missouri executed what amounts to a rare kind of unofficial swap-one edge rusher out, one edge rusher in, each heading to the other’s program. It’s not a trade in the traditional sense, but the symmetry is striking.
The difference? One side is getting a potential game-changer, while the other is rolling the dice on development.
Let’s start with the headliner: Damon Wilson II, a former Missouri standout and projected first-round NFL Draft pick, is headed to Miami for what will likely be his final collegiate season. Wilson brings proven production, elite upside, and the kind of pass-rushing ability that instantly upgrades a defense.
For the Hurricanes, this is a major win. They’re not just adding depth-they’re adding a difference-maker.
Missouri, meanwhile, gets Malik Bryant, a former four-star recruit whose time at Miami never quite materialized into consistent on-field impact. Bryant played in just four games this past season, recording two tackles.
The year before, he saw action in 12 games, tallying 17 tackles and 1.5 sacks. There’s potential there, but it’s largely untapped.
So, what does this mean for Missouri’s edge room?
The Tigers came into the offseason knowing they had serious holes to fill on the edge. Losing both Zion Young and Damon Wilson II left a massive void in their pass rush.
And while they’ve brought in some new faces-Jaden Jones from Florida State and CJ May from Louisville-neither has recorded a sack in their college careers. That’s not exactly the kind of production that screams “plug-and-play starter.”
It’s clear Missouri made a push to land high-end edge talent. It’s also clear they came up short.
Now, head coach Eli Drinkwitz and his staff are banking on development-hoping that with the right coaching and opportunity, one of these new additions can take a leap. It’s not impossible.
But it’s a gamble.
The reality is, replacing the production of players like Young and Wilson was always going to be a tall task. But right now, it doesn’t look like Missouri has come particularly close. That doesn’t mean the story is written-college football is full of late bloomers and breakout stars-but it does raise questions about where the Tigers’ pressure is going to come from in 2026.
There’s still a chance Missouri adds another piece or two before the dust settles. But as things stand, the edge group looks pretty close to finalized. And unless someone takes a major step forward, this could be a soft spot in what’s otherwise a competitive roster.
For Miami, the picture is much brighter. They’re getting a proven disruptor in Wilson, someone who can anchor the edge and cause problems for opposing offenses from Day 1. Missouri, on the other hand, is betting on upside-and hoping that bet pays off.