Former Georgia Edge Rusher Damon Wilson II Announces Transfer Commitment to Oklahoma Sooners
NORMAN, OK — In a significant move that could alter the landscape of college football’s edge-rushing battles in the Big 12, Damon Wilson II, the highly regarded former edge rusher for the University of Georgia, has announced his transfer commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners. This latest addition to the Oklahoma defense could provide the Sooners with an explosive weapon off the edge as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Wilson, who played two seasons for the defending national champions, is making the move to Oklahoma after initially committing to Georgia in 2022. During his time with the Bulldogs, he was regarded as one of the top edge rushers in the country, and his decision to transfer has sent shockwaves through the college football community. With just two seasons of eligibility left, Wilson is looking for a fresh opportunity to continue his development and make an immediate impact at Oklahoma, a program that has seen recent struggles but is now aiming to re-establish itself as a national contender.
Wilson’s Decision to Transfer
Damon Wilson’s decision to transfer from Georgia to Oklahoma comes after an impressive start to his college career. Although he didn’t receive as much playing time as some of Georgia’s other stars, Wilson’s raw talent was evident in the limited action he saw on the field. Despite playing behind several future NFL players on the depth chart, Wilson’s potential to be a standout edge rusher has always been clear. However, with the competition for playing time becoming more intense at Georgia, Wilson made the decision to explore his options and find a new home that would allow him to showcase his skills on a more regular basis.
His choice to transfer to Oklahoma was driven by a number of factors, including the opportunity to play immediately, the chance to help revitalize the Sooners’ defense, and the program’s track record of developing defensive talent. Oklahoma’s defensive unit, which has faced challenges in recent seasons, is looking for players like Wilson to help restore the intensity and dominance that made the Sooners a perennial playoff contender in the 2000s and 2010s. With an emphasis on rebuilding and retooling their defensive strategy under head coach Brent Venables, the Sooners are eager to integrate a player of Wilson’s caliber into their plans for 2025.
“I’m extremely grateful for my time at Georgia and for everything I learned there,” Wilson said in a statement following his commitment. “It’s been an amazing experience to be part of such a historic program, but I feel like this is the right time for me to take the next step in my career. I’m excited for the opportunity at Oklahoma, and I can’t wait to get started with my new teammates and coaches. The Sooners have a rich tradition, and I believe I can contribute to the team’s success as we push for a championship.”
What Damon Wilson II Brings to Oklahoma
Damon Wilson is considered one of the top pass-rushing prospects in the country, and his decision to transfer to Oklahoma could give the Sooners the edge they’ve been missing on defense in recent years. A 6-foot-5, 240-pound athlete with the ability to bend the edge and create pressure off the line of scrimmage, Wilson is known for his explosiveness, agility, and relentless motor. His raw athleticism and ability to get after the quarterback make him a threat in any defensive scheme, and he will immediately compete for a starting spot on Oklahoma’s defense.
Wilson’s strength as an edge rusher lies in his burst off the line of scrimmage and his ability to use a variety of pass-rushing techniques to beat offensive linemen. He’s an explosive athlete who can win with speed around the edge or use power to bull-rush through blockers. His combination of size, speed, and technique allows him to be a versatile weapon for any defensive coordinator. Additionally, Wilson’s ability to disrupt plays in both the run game and passing game will make him a valuable asset to the Sooners in multiple phases of defense.
Another key asset Wilson brings is his understanding of top-tier competition. Having played in the SEC, the toughest conference in college football, Wilson is accustomed to facing elite-level offenses. His experiences playing behind Georgia’s star-studded defensive line have undoubtedly prepared him for the rigors of the Big 12, where he’ll now be tasked with facing off against high-octane offenses week in and week out.
“I think Damon Wilson is going to fit perfectly into what we want to do defensively here at Oklahoma,” said Brent Venables, head coach of the Sooners. “He has all the tools you look for in an elite edge rusher—speed, power, and the mentality to go after the quarterback. We’re excited to have him join our program and help us take our defense to the next level. Damon is going to bring leadership and a winning mentality to our locker room, and we’re looking forward to seeing him make an impact from day one.”
A Boost to Oklahoma’s Defense
The addition of Wilson is a major step toward restoring Oklahoma’s defense to the level of its historically dominant units. Over the past few seasons, the Sooners’ defense has been criticized for its inability to consistently stop opposing offenses, especially in high-profile matchups. The team’s struggles on that side of the ball have kept them from achieving the same success they once enjoyed as a College Football Playoff regular.
Venables, who took over as head coach in 2022 after a successful tenure as Clemson’s defensive coordinator, has focused on rebuilding Oklahoma’s defense. His defensive philosophy is built on aggressive play-calling, relentless pressure, and solid fundamentals, and the addition of Wilson will give Venables the type of edge rusher he covets in his defensive scheme.
Wilson’s presence on the field will allow the Sooners to create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which in turn should help the secondary by forcing quicker throws and creating more turnover opportunities. With defensive line coach Todd Bates also known for developing talent at the line of scrimmage, Wilson will be surrounded by a coaching staff that can maximize his potential and help him elevate his game to the next level.
Beyond his physical abilities, Wilson’s mentality and work ethic are what made him stand out at Georgia, and those same traits will likely make him a leader in the locker room at Oklahoma. As a transfer who has played in high-pressure environments, Wilson brings with him a level of maturity and poise that will help instill confidence in his new teammates. His leadership will be invaluable as the Sooners aim to improve both individually and as a team in 2025.
How Wilson Fits into Oklahoma’s Scheme
Under Brent Venables, Oklahoma has adopted a defensive scheme that emphasizes attacking and creating chaos. The Sooners are looking for versatile defenders who can contribute in multiple ways, and Wilson’s skill set makes him a perfect fit for Venables’ aggressive system.
Wilson will likely be utilized primarily as an edge rusher, tasked with lining up on the outside and using his speed and strength to collapse the pocket and pressure opposing quarterbacks. However, his versatility allows him to contribute in multiple defensive roles. Venables’ defensive scheme often requires players to be fluid and adaptable, and Wilson’s ability to switch between rushing the passer and setting the edge in the run game will give the Sooners multiple options in terms of defensive alignments.
In particular, Wilson’s ability to move across the defensive line and rush from different positions will allow Oklahoma to keep opposing offensive linemen guessing. His flexibility will also make him a valuable player on passing downs, where he can be a consistent threat to sack the quarterback or disrupt the timing of the offense.
What the Transfer Means for Oklahoma’s 2025 Season
Wilson’s decision to transfer to Oklahoma represents a significant step forward for the program as the Sooners look to bounce back from a challenging period in their history. With his addition, Oklahoma gains a player who can contribute immediately, and his impact could be felt right away.
The Sooners’ 2025 season is shaping up to be one of high expectations as they look to contend for a Big 12 championship and possibly make a run at the College Football Playoff. With Wilson joining a defense that already includes talented players such as linebacker Danny Stutsman and defensive back Woody Washington, Oklahoma has the makings of a unit that could compete at a national level.
In addition to bolstering the defense, Wilson’s arrival will also enhance the Sooners’ recruiting efforts. The Sooners’ ability to attract and develop top-tier talent like Wilson sends a message to recruits that Oklahoma is still one of the premier programs in college football. With an exciting future ahead, the Sooners are primed to make noise in the Big 12 and on the national stage in 2025.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Damon Wilson II and Oklahoma
Damon Wilson II’s commitment to Oklahoma marks a new chapter in his college football career, and the Sooners are thrilled to add a player of his caliber to their defensive ranks. Wilson’s raw talent, experience, and relentless drive make him a perfect fit for Oklahoma’s defensive philosophy, and his impact will be felt immediately.
With his leadership, versatility, and pass-rushing ability, Wilson is poised to become a key player in Oklahoma’s quest to reclaim its spot among the nation’s elite programs. The Sooners are counting on Wilson to help bring their defense back to prominence and provide the spark they need to compete for championships in 2025 and beyond. The stage is set for Damon Wilson to shine in a new environment, and Oklahoma fans are eagerly anticipating the impact he will make.
