Top Edge Rusher Javion Hilson to Enter Transfer Portal - Could Syracuse Reignite Interest?
One of the most dominant edge rushers in the 2025 recruiting class is officially back on the market. Javion Hilson, a former five-star prospect out of Florida and current Missouri freshman, plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens from January 2 to January 16, according to multiple recruiting services.
Hilson, who originally committed to Missouri over a final group that included Syracuse, Texas, Texas A&M, and Pittsburgh, appeared in three games for the Tigers this past season, preserving his redshirt. He recorded one tackle during limited action, but the talent that made him one of the most coveted high school defenders in the country hasn’t gone anywhere.
Now, with Hilson on the move, the natural question becomes: will Syracuse make another push?
A Familiar Name for Orange Fans
This isn’t the first time Hilson’s name has been connected to the Orange. The Cocoa High School product took an official visit to Syracuse in early November of 2024, and by all accounts, the trip went well. Syracuse was firmly in the mix late in his recruitment, and the staff clearly made an impression.
At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Hilson was a game-wrecker at the high school level. In his senior season alone, he racked up 86 total tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, and a jaw-dropping 77 quarterback hurries.
He also forced three fumbles and recovered one, showing an ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Those numbers helped lead Cocoa to multiple state titles and earned Hilson national recognition.
Recruiting services didn’t hold back in their evaluations either. Rivals tabbed him as a five-star talent, ranked No. 17 overall in the 2025 class, the No. 1 edge rusher in the country, and the No. 3 player in the state of Florida. The 247Sports Composite and Rivals Industry Ranking both placed him inside the national top 55.
Where He Stands Now
Even with limited college game film, Hilson remains one of the most intriguing names in the upcoming transfer cycle. According to 247Sports’ national transfer rankings, he’s currently rated as a three-star transfer, No. 108 overall and No. 8 among edge rushers. On3 is even higher on him, slotting Hilson as a four-star transfer, No. 35 nationally and No. 6 at his position.
That’s the kind of profile that will draw interest from Power Five programs across the country - and it’s worth noting that several Syracuse coaches are already following Hilson on social media, including new edges coach Jeremy Hawkins.
Why It Matters for Syracuse
Let’s be honest - the Orange defense struggled in 2025. Syracuse gave up nearly 175 rushing yards per game, ranking second-to-last in the ACC in that category. The team finished 3-9 overall, and the need for more disruptive talent up front was evident every Saturday.
The good news? The Orange are already building for the future. Their 2026 high school recruiting class includes a pair of four-star edge rushers from Florida - Jarius Rodgers and Kamron Wilson - as the staff continues to make inroads in the Sunshine State.
But adding a player like Hilson could accelerate that rebuild in a big way. He’s a rare blend of size, speed, and pass-rushing instincts, and he’s only scratching the surface of what he can become at the college level. With a year to develop physically and mentally in the SEC, he’s better prepared now than he was as a high school senior - and that’s saying something.
The Coaching Connection
Syracuse’s new edges coach, Jeremy Hawkins, brings experience and a track record of development from his time at Georgia State, where he served as defensive line coach and assistant head coach. His arrival could be a key piece in any potential pursuit of Hilson. Hawkins, along with several other members of the Orange staff - including Stack Williams, Emmanuel Marc, Ryan Barry, and general manager Tommy Caporale - are already connected to Hilson online.
That doesn’t guarantee anything, of course. But it does suggest Syracuse is at least keeping tabs on a player they once prioritized heavily.
What’s Next?
The transfer portal opens in just a few days, and with Hilson officially entering, things could move quickly. Programs across the country will be lining up for a shot at the former five-star edge, and Syracuse has to decide whether to jump back into the mix.
Given their past relationship, defensive needs, and continued recruiting presence in Florida, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Orange try to make another run. Whether they land him or not, Hilson’s next stop will be one of the more closely watched moves of this transfer cycle - and if Syracuse is in the mix, fans will be watching even more closely.