One of the offseason’s shock transfer portal announcements, Southeast Missouri State (SEMO) EDGE rusher Sam Cook signed with the University of Nevada. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound defensive standout made his transfer official, news first emerging via Pete Nakos on X.
What Sam Cook Brings to Nevada’s Defense—and Why He Could Be a Mountain West Breakout
Cook, who has established himself quietly as one of the most productive FCS defenders, brings a high motor and proven production to the Wolf Pack. The last two seasons, he posted 56 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and four sacks while regularly flashing on tape with his edge speed and setting the edge in run defense.
SEMO EDGE Sam Cook has committed to Nevada, his agents tell @SWiltfong_ and I.
Posted 56 tackles, 8 TFLs and 4 sacks in the last two seasons.https://t.co/VxSGJETKD9 pic.twitter.com/Ohpe9zQ66a
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) May 7, 2025
The Wolf Pack defense struggled in 2024, particularly up front, where they lacked consistent pass rush and disruption plays on early downs. Sam Cook comes to fill an urgent need, not only bringing Nevada a starter-level player but also adding depth to a thin defensive line. With Mountain West offenses continuing to trend toward spread schemes and tempo, a presence off the edge like Cook could be a difference-maker.
Cook’s decision is more than a solid upgrade—it’s evidence that Nevada is determined to utilize the transfer portal to fight in the Group of Five world. With head coach Ken Wilson, the Wolf Pack have been searching for plug-and-play, veteran guys to rebuild a roster that endured anaemic growing pains the previous couple of years.
Whereas Cook flew under the radar coming out of SEMO, his tape is reflective of a high-effort defender with a chip on his shoulder. He plays with unrelenting passion and has been displayed to be adaptable, playing both a traditional EDGE and a standing outside linebacker.
This move also provides Cook with a larger platform. Transferring to the Mountain West, he will play against stronger competition and get a better chance to impress NFL scouts with his abilities, particularly with the College Football Playoff expanded to 12 teams and revamped in a way that exposes Group of Five players more than ever before.
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Expect Cook to fight hard immediately for a starting spot and get a lot of snaps in Nevada’s front seven. If he can adjust soon to FBS speed, he could be one of the conference’s defensive breakouts among transfers.
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