Louisville lands Texas DB transfer Santana Wilson
Louisville strengthens its secondary with a commitment from Texas defensive back transfer Santana Wilson. He has played in one career game and will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Wilson is ranked 990th overall in the transfer portal and inside the top 150 at his position. The former four-star recruit played at Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. Wilson chose the Longhorns over offers from Oregon, Oklahoma, Miami, NC State, Tennessee, and Washington, among others.
Wilson comes from a talented football background. His dad, Adrian Wilson, was a five-time Pro Bowler with the Arizona Cardinals. Like father, like son; both play defensive back.
Wilson didn’t see the field in year one with Texas. As a redshirt freshman, he made his debut against Sam Houston in week four. Recording a solo tackle, Wilson didn’t see action the rest of the season.
Standing at 6 feet and 175 pounds, the highly touted defensive back was on a loaded Longhorns squad. Not being able to break through the depth chart, Wilson spent the year learning from the No. 13 team in the nation. The Texas defense was elite, allowing 338.8 yards per game, good for 40th in the country.
Wilson has great speed for the corner position and displays a high IQ on the field. Before the season, in spring ball, he led the team in interceptions. His athleticism playing both sides of the ball in high school means there is high upside that Louisville can tap into.
Defensive back was a position of need for the Cardinals. They secured a commitment from former Kentucky corner DJ Waller, but still had shoes to fill. The departure of veterans D’Angelo Hutchinson, Jabari Mack, JoJo Evans, and Corey Gordon put the cornerbacks coach, Steve Ellis, in a tough spot entering the 2026 season. If a change of scenery for Wilson can help his development, Louisville will be breathing easier in the secondary.
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