Ohio State has a golden opportunity to land Damon Wilson, a five-star defensive end who was a key target in their 2023 recruiting class but ultimately chose Georgia. According to On3's Hayes Fawcett, Wilson is expected to enter the transfer portal. The Buckeyes should prioritize adding him to their roster, and they have a strong chance to secure him this time around.
BREAKING: Georgia EDGE Damon Wilson plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 6, 2025
The 6’4 250 EDGE totaled 22 Tackles, 3 Sacks, 2 FF, & 2 FR this season
Was ranked as a Five-Star Recruit in the ‘23 Class (per On3)
2 years of eligibility left https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/1zhC4DmdGn
The transfer portal officially closed for players to enter on December 28, 2024, but Wilson was able to join because players on College Football Playoff (CFP) teams have a special five-day window to enter after their team is eliminated. As Georgia's 2024 season came to an end in the CFP semifinals, Wilson had this extra time to make his decision.
Wilson’s recruitment out of high school was a fierce battle between Ohio State and Georgia. Both programs were heavily invested in landing the talented edge rusher, with Wilson visiting both schools multiple times. He was in Columbus in September 2022 to watch the Buckeyes defeat Notre Dame and returned in November to witness Ohio State’s rivalry game against Michigan.
Despite strong interest from Ohio State and a close relationship with legendary defensive line coach Larry Johnson, Wilson chose Georgia. The deciding factors for Wilson were Georgia’s defensive scheme and the relationships he built with head coach Kirby Smart and outside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe.
At the time, Wilson admitted that for a couple of months, he thought he would be a Buckeye. However, Georgia’s dominance in college football, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, and their constant presence in the national championship race, gave the Bulldogs the edge.
Now, with Wilson in the transfer portal, Ohio State has a rare second chance to land the player they so badly wanted in 2023. Wilson contributed to Georgia’s elite defense during his two seasons, with his 2024 campaign showing flashes of his potential.
He totaled 22 tackles, including three sacks, along with two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 2024. While those numbers may not jump off the page, Wilson’s role on Georgia’s defense grew over time, and he’s shown the ability to set the edge and disrupt opposing offenses.
Ohio State needs a dynamic pass rusher, and Wilson’s experience at Georgia could fill that gap perfectly. While the Buckeyes have an outstanding defensive line, all of their starters this year will be heading to the NFL and they have lost EDGE depth with freshman Eddrick Houston switching to defensive tackle midway through the season and Mitchell Melton entering the transfer portal this weekend. Wilson has shown an ability to not only rush the passer but also be an excellent run defender too.
What makes this opportunity particularly promising is the pre-existing relationship between Wilson and Ohio State. The Buckeyes were a strong contender for Wilson during his high school recruitment, and that foundation of trust could play a pivotal role in convincing him to choose Ohio State this time around. The Buckeyes are consistently in the national championship hunt, and Wilson would have the opportunity to make an immediate impact on a defense that could use his skill set.
With the transfer portal now closed to most players, Ohio State needs to move quickly to take advantage of Wilson’s eligibility and secure the highly sought-after edge rusher. Bringing in Damon Wilson could be a game-changing addition for the Buckeyes in pursuing next season's national championship.