As the 2026 transfer portal window draws near, the Texas Longhorns are once again in roster-reload mode, and one name starting to generate early buzz is Missouri freshman edge rusher Javion Hilson.
Hilson, a former four-star recruit out of Cocoa, Florida, has officially announced he’ll be entering the portal on January 2. While his on-field action in 2025 was limited-just three games and 31 snaps for the Tigers-his potential is far from a mystery to those who followed his high school recruitment.
This is a player who once had Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, and others battling for his signature. That kind of attention doesn’t happen by accident.
His recruitment journey was a winding one: originally committed to Alabama, then flipped to Florida State to stay closer to home, before ultimately landing at Missouri. That path says two things: elite programs have already done their homework on him, and Hilson isn’t afraid to pivot if he feels the fit isn’t right. That mindset could be key as he evaluates his next move.
For Texas, the timing of Hilson’s availability couldn’t be more relevant. The departure of senior edge rusher Ethan Burke leaves a noticeable hole-not just in production, but in leadership at a position that’s become even more critical as the Longhorns transition into life in the SEC. Add to that the recent decommitments of defensive linemen Corey Wells and Dylan Berymon ahead of the Early Signing Period, and suddenly the edge room is a little thinner than expected heading into 2026.
That’s where someone like Hilson becomes a compelling option.
He brings traits that Texas covets: long frame, explosive first step, and multiple years of eligibility left. He’s also spent a year in an SEC program, which-while not rich in reps-still adds value in terms of understanding the speed and physicality of the conference. For a Texas staff that’s shown a willingness to blend high school talent with calculated portal swings, Hilson fits the mold of an early-cycle target with high upside.
But it’s not just about what Texas wants-Hilson will be looking for the right environment too.
He’ll want a clearer path to playing time than he had at Missouri, a proven track record of developing pass rushers, and a scheme that lets him pin his ears back and get after the quarterback. Texas can offer all three. The Longhorns have been trending toward an aggressive front-seven philosophy, and with their move to the expanded SEC, the stakes-and opportunities-are only getting bigger.
Whether or not Texas makes a serious push for Hilson will come into focus once the portal officially opens and visit schedules start to take shape. But in a year where roster flexibility is crucial and edge depth is under the microscope, Hilson is exactly the kind of name Longhorns fans should have on their radar.
The next few weeks will be fast-moving and full of surprises, but if Texas is looking to make a smart, strategic addition at a premium position, Hilson’s profile checks a lot of boxes.