Texas Supporters Respond to Damon Wilson’s Transfer and Big Ten Dedication to Texas Longhorns Football: “We Let Go of a Beast and Got a Monster”
The transfer portal has been buzzing with activity in college football, and one of the most talked-about moves this offseason involves Damon Wilson, the former five-star pass rusher for the Georgia Bulldogs. Wilson’s decision to leave Georgia, after showing great promise as a young defensive star, has sent shockwaves throughout the football community. According to multiple sources, including On3, Wilson is expected to commit to a Big Ten team—Ohio State—significantly altering the landscape of college football’s defensive units in the process.
As fans of the Georgia Bulldogs react to this development, many are reflecting on the impact of Wilson’s departure, and the evolving narrative surrounding the program. The phrase “We let go of a beast and got a monster” has been circulating among Georgia supporters, encapsulating the excitement surrounding both the loss and the potential gains of the program as a result of this transfer. The sentiment reflects the bittersweet nature of Wilson’s exit, but also the optimism for the future of Georgia football as it reloads its roster with both talent and potential.
In this article, we will explore Damon Wilson’s departure from Georgia, what it means for the Bulldogs, the potential impact of his transfer to Ohio State, and the significance of the phrase “We let go of a beast and got a monster” in the context of Georgia’s program.
The Departure of Damon Wilson: A Shock to Georgia’s Defense
Damon Wilson was a standout recruit in the 2022 class for Georgia, ranked as the No. 5 player in the country and the No. 2 pass rusher according to 247Sports. When he signed with the Bulldogs, expectations were sky-high for Wilson. His combination of size, speed, and pass-rushing ability made him a can’t-miss prospect in Georgia’s stacked defensive unit. The Bulldogs were set to utilize him as one of their primary edge rushers for the 2025 season.
However, in a stunning development on January 6, 2025, Wilson announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. The announcement came as a shock to Georgia fans, who had expected him to be a key part of their defensive line in the years to come. Despite showing glimpses of his talent during his first two years at Georgia, Wilson’s departure represents a significant loss for the Bulldogs.
In his two seasons at Georgia, Wilson tallied 22 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles—one of which came in crucial moments against Tennessee and Texas. While his stats were respectable, they didn’t necessarily reflect the full potential that Wilson’s natural abilities suggested. Georgia fans had hoped that the 2025 season would be Wilson’s breakout year, as he was expected to take on a starring role in the Bulldogs’ front-seven following the departure of several key defenders.
While Georgia’s defense has been a major strength under head coach Kirby Smart, losing a player with Wilson’s upside will undoubtedly present challenges. However, the Bulldogs are known for their ability to reload on defense, especially given the wealth of talent in the transfer portal. The team will now need to replace Wilson’s impact on the edge while continuing to maintain its reputation as one of the nation’s top defensive units.
Ohio State Emerges as the Front-Runner for Damon Wilson’s Services
Wilson’s potential transfer destination is the Ohio State Buckeyes, one of the premier programs in the Big Ten and college football at large. According to On3 and several other recruiting outlets, Ohio State is expected to be the destination for Wilson, as the Buckeyes have pursued him heavily since his high school days. Wilson had previously listed Ohio State as one of his top schools during his recruitment, and it appears that the Buckeyes’ pursuit of him has finally paid off.
Ohio State is coming off an impressive 2024 season, where they made a strong run to the College Football Playoff and demonstrated their ability to compete with the best teams in the nation. The addition of Wilson would add another lethal pass rusher to an already talented defense, which has been a hallmark of the Buckeyes program under head coach Ryan Day.
If Wilson does indeed commit to Ohio State, it will be a massive boost for their defensive line. The Buckeyes have been successful in recruiting top-tier defensive talent, but adding a player of Wilson’s caliber would further elevate their status as a national championship contender. With Chase Young and other high-profile defensive stars in their recent history, Ohio State has long been known for producing elite edge rushers, and Wilson could be the next in that line.
Wilson’s decision to transfer to Ohio State not only bolsters the Buckeyes’ defense but also adds a significant player to a team that has been on the cusp of national championship contention in recent years. The Big Ten is home to some of the nation’s top programs, and Ohio State’s ability to land a player like Wilson demonstrates their recruiting prowess and commitment to maintaining a high level of success on both sides of the ball.
The Bigger Picture: Georgia’s Defensive Overhaul
Damon Wilson’s departure is not the only change to Georgia’s defensive roster. The Bulldogs have lost several key players from their front-seven, including Sam M’Pemba (who transferred to Texas A&M), Jamaal Jarrett (USC), and Troy Bowles (Michigan). Additionally, Georgia players like Mykel Williams, Jalon Walker, Smael Mondon, Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins have declared for the NFL Draft.
With these departures, Georgia will need to focus heavily on rebuilding its defensive line and outside linebacker group for the upcoming seasons. Fortunately for the Bulldogs, Kirby Smart has proven time and time again that he can develop elite defensive talent. The Bulldogs are expected to continue their aggressive recruiting strategy, and the transfer portal will play a significant role in replenishing the defense.
Although Wilson’s exit leaves a gap in Georgia’s pass-rushing rotation, the team’s defensive depth, and ability to recruit, should help mitigate the loss. Georgia’s defensive line is still filled with highly touted players, and Smart has consistently been able to develop young talent into stars. This trend is expected to continue as Georgia targets key transfers and recruits to fill in the gaps left by players who have moved on to the NFL or to other schools.
“We Let Go of a Beast and Got a Monster”: Georgia Fans’ Outlook for the Future
While the loss of Damon Wilson is undeniably a blow to Georgia’s defense, many fans are taking an optimistic approach to the future. The phrase “We let go of a beast and got a monster” encapsulates the belief that while Wilson’s departure may sting, the Bulldogs have an opportunity to reload and continue their dominance on the defensive side of the ball.
For Georgia fans, the “beast” that they let go of was Wilson, a player with immense potential but still yet to fulfill his promise on the field. The “monster” they’re referring to is the next wave of talent, which they believe will continue the program’s ascent. Georgia has built a reputation as a powerhouse in both recruiting and player development, and fans are confident that Smart and his staff will keep the defensive machine running at full speed.
While the loss of a key player like Wilson could have devastated other programs, Georgia fans are confident that the team will continue to thrive. The Bulldogs’ ability to adjust to changes, reload through the transfer portal, and develop homegrown talent has made them one of the most successful programs in college football. With their sights set on continuing their national championship aspirations, Georgia’s fans remain upbeat about the future, no matter who leaves or enters the program.
The Road Ahead: Georgia’s Future in the Transfer Portal
As Georgia prepares for the 2025 season and beyond, the team will likely continue to be active in the transfer portal. With the loss of key defensive players like Wilson, the Bulldogs will need to find immediate contributors to step into starting roles. Fortunately, Georgia has a history of success in the portal, and Smart’s staff has proven they can identify players who fit the program’s culture and scheme.
The Bulldogs will also continue to lean on their recruiting efforts, as they aim to maintain their position as one of the top football programs in the nation. With the arrival of top-tier recruits and key transfers, Georgia will look to stay competitive not just in the SEC but on the national stage as well.
Conclusion: Moving Forward with Confidence
Georgia football has entered a new chapter, one that is marked by change, opportunity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. While Damon Wilson’s departure is a setback, it is by no means a death knell for the program. As fans rally behind the slogan “We let go of a beast and got a monster,” the future looks bright for Georgia as it reloads and continues to assert itself as one of the top teams in college football.
With the continued leadership of Kirby Smart, a strong recruiting class, and a talented roster, Georgia’s defense will remain a force to be reckoned with. The Bulldogs will undoubtedly find a way to overcome this loss, just as they have with previous challenges, and emerge even stronger as they continue their pursuit of dominance in college football.
