Ohio State's Quest for Defensive Dominance: The Elusive Edge Rusher
Navigating the Offseason: Roster Changes and Defensive Gaps
The Ohio State Buckeyes have experienced a dynamic offseason, marked by substantial player movement. While 34 players departed via the transfer portal, the team successfully onboarded 16 new athletes by late January. A primary concern for the Buckeyes' defensive unit has been the loss of key starters, including Caden Curry, Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs, Davison Igbinosun, Sonny Styles, and Kayden McDonald. The recruitment strategy has heavily prioritized bolstering the secondary, bringing in several safeties and cornerbacks, alongside a few defensive linemen and one edge rusher. However, despite these additions, the effectiveness of the pass rush remains a significant area of concern as the month concludes.
The Frustration of Missed Opportunities: Damon Wilson II
The departure of Caden Curry and Arvell Reese created a void, and the team's inability to secure a top-tier edge rusher exacerbated this issue. A particularly frustrating instance involved Damon Wilson II, a former Missouri EDGE who ultimately committed to Miami. This marked the second consecutive offseason where Ohio State failed to land Wilson from the transfer portal. This recruitment challenge extends even further back, as the Buckeyes were also runners-up during his high school recruitment, consistently falling short in their pursuit of the talented player.
Wilson's Journey: From Georgia to Missouri to Miami
Damon Wilson II was highly sought after in the 2023 recruiting class, ranking among the top five edge rushers. His decision ultimately came down to Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia. After visiting all three programs, he chose to sign with Georgia. During his freshman year in 2023, Wilson saw limited play. However, in 2024, he began to establish himself within the Bulldogs' defense, concluding the season with 22 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. Following this productive year, Wilson entered the transfer portal, sparking renewed interest from Ohio State.
The Unfulfilled Promise: Ohio State's Continued Pursuit
Despite expectations that Ohio State would be a strong contender, Wilson instead transferred to Missouri, where he had a remarkable year. In Columbia, he amassed 23 tackles, recovered a fumble, and recorded nine sacks, unequivocally demonstrating his prowess as a legitimate pass rusher in the SEC. When Wilson re-entered the transfer portal this offseason, there was a palpable sense that this could finally be Ohio State's chance to secure him, especially given the evident scarcity of proven edge rushers on their roster.
Recurring Misses and Lasting Impact
Despite Ohio State's considerable involvement in his recruitment, Wilson ultimately opted for Miami. This marks the third time the Buckeyes have failed to recruit Wilson, who is now ranked as the No. 8 overall player in the transfer portal by 247Sports. The precise reasons for these repeated misses—be it timing, compatibility, or financial considerations—remain unknown. What is unequivocally clear is that acquiring a player of Wilson's caliber would have provided a substantial boost to the 2026 defense, particularly after losing Arvell Reese and Caden Curry to the NFL Draft in April, leaving a critical defensive need unaddressed.