The 24th departure in the transfer portal is now officially confirmed, as defensive end Damon Wilson II announced he is entering the transfer portal. The news of the entry by Wilson was first reported by Hayes Fawcett and On3.
Wilson was the Tigers’ sack leader with nine, and picked up 20 tackles on the season. According to Eli Hoff from the STL Post Dispatch, 12 of the 13 defensive players with the highest defensive snap counts are now gone following Wilson’s entry, with the star edge rusher's entry undoubtedly the most impactful.
Tigers are now left scrambling after losing star defensive player Wilson II
The NFL Draft was in the cards for Wilson, as well as a return to Columbia. Neither occurred, and now the defensive end spot for the Tigers becomes similar to multiple positions on defense — a need in the portal. After a strong start to the portal window for Eli Drinkwitz and company, bringing in players like Austin Simmons and Robert Woodyard Jr., Mizzou will now have their work cut out for them.
Zion Young running out of eligibility, and Javon Hilson and Nate Johnson’s portal entries reinforce the need of addition at defensive end. Wilson II was supposed to anchor the front line for the Tigers, and it appears his departure was just as shocking to the coaching staff.
Power Mizzou reported that multiple sources around the program were unaware of Wilson’s official entry at the time it occurred, and also have not had contact with him in recent days.