Kalen DeBoer, Alabama pursuing elite EDGE in portal to bolster pass rush

Alabama is still awaiting the official word from star Wolf LB Yhonzae Pierre on whether he will enter the NFL Draft or return for his redshirt junior season in Tuscaloosa. In the meantime, Kalen DeBoer and Alabama aren't just sitting around.

Getting more production out of the pass rush is a point of emphasis for the Crimson Tide heading into the 2026 season. Pierre was highly productive once he took over the starting job from an injured Qua Russaw, who left Tuscaloosa via the Transfer Portal. Pierre led Alabama with eight sacks on the season, and if he returns, he would be one of the most feared pass rushers in college football.

But adding another proven player who can create havoc in the backfield is a priority for DeBoer and DC Kane Wommack. In a perfect world, Pierre returns, and Alabama adds another impact player.

That player might be Missouri transfer Damon Wilson, who ranks as the No. 3 EDGE in the portal, according to Saturday Blitz. The Crimson Tide is one of the teams looking to get involved with the star pass rusher.

Alabama is pursuing Missouri EDGE rusher Damon Wilson

Alabama was heavily involved in Wilson's initial recruitment out of high school. The 5-star Florida native ultimately signed with Georgia, where he spent two seasons before transferring to Missouri. He had a breakout season in CoMo, finishing with nine sacks.

Alabama saw that up close and personal: Wilson produced two sacks against the Crimson Tide in an October matchup.

Pierre finally gave Alabama an injection of life rushing the passer, but the Tide still finished just 55th in the country in sacks per game at 2.1.

Getting Pierre back and landing Wilson would be massive for Alabama's 2026 defense. If Pierre ultimately decided to enter the NFL Draft, then Alabama's pursuit of Wilson would no longer be a luxury addition: DeBoer and Wommack would need to put on the full-court press to replace him with an impact player like Wilson.

But the dream of having them both rushing the passer on third down could take Alabama's defense to the next level in 2026.