After a thrilling basketball upset, Missouri Tigers athletics received another boost on Tuesday, this time from the football team. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz added a key player to his roster, securing linebacker Damon Wilson from the transfer portal. Wilson, who previously played for the Georgia Bulldogs, will remain in the SEC as he heads to Columbia to join the Missouri Tigers ahead of his junior season.
Wilson’s transfer to Missouri follows his former Georgia teammate Darris Smith, who made the same move to Mizzou for the 2024 season but was sidelined for the year due to a torn ACL in preseason training. Smith played a pivotal role in recruiting Wilson to the Tigers, making his addition even more significant for the team’s future defensive efforts.
As a sophomore at Georgia, Wilson made a noticeable impact on the field, recording 22 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His durability and consistency were notable, as he appeared in all 14 games for the Bulldogs during the season. Wilson’s solid performance in a competitive SEC environment adds to his value as he joins Missouri’s defense.
Wilson’s recruitment was a major highlight just two years ago, as he was one of the top prospects in the nation. He ultimately chose Georgia over other elite programs like Alabama and Ohio State, cementing his status as a highly sought-after talent. Now, Wilson brings that experience and skill to Mizzou, where he’s expected to make an immediate impact in the 2025 season.
This transfer further strengthens Missouri’s defense, which has already seen significant improvements in recent years. With the addition of Wilson, the Tigers bolster their linebacker corps and continue to build a strong foundation for the upcoming season, providing Drinkwitz with more depth and talent on the field.
