Payton Wilson de-commits from UNC , did NC State flip him?

We’ve been following this story pretty closely over the past few weeks, but today was the first real break.

Please respect my decision! pic.twitter.com/CV8oS64VyI

— Payton Wilson (@payton_wilson21) November 22, 2017

That’s right, the 4-star linebacker has finally given UNC notice that he won’t be attending there next year. So where is he going? That’s still debatable, but NC State is thought to be one of two landing places (the other being Notre Dame).

Wilson was recently nominated for the U.S. Army National Player of the Year Award (16 nominees) for what he was able to accomplish in 8 games before he tore his ACL. In eight games, Wilson completed 13-of-27 passes for 125 yards, rushed for 222 yards and five touchdowns on 67 carries, caught 15 passes for 263 yards and four touchdowns, posted 103 tackles and 10 sacks, intercepted one pass and recovered one fumble.

Wilson actually took an official visit to NC State when they played Clemson, even while he was still committed to the Tar Heels. That was the first real sign that the Pack had a chance.

Doeren also made no secret that they were trying to flip the talented in-state LB. He was on the sidelines on October 6th along with Larry Fedora, to watch Wilson play. We actually had a story on that sideline showdown.

Other signs that have pointed to NC State thinking they would flip Wilson was the fact that NC State canceled Keshon Artis’ (another 4 star LB) official visit on November 4th. We talked to Artis who didn’t seem happy and who told us that the NC State coaches didn’t want him to come that weekend because Wilson would be there.

Now, with only a few days until NC State and UNC take the field for their rivalry game, Payton Wilson announces his decommitment. It seems like all the puzzle pieces are fitting together for Wilson to commit to the Pack, right?

Not so fast.

Ths news is also coming on the heels of his other official visit to Notre Dame, where he reportedly said it would be a place he could see himself leaving the state for. Was that just him talking to a Notre Dame reporter and talking up the school he visited? Or did the Irish really blow him away? We’ll have to wait and see.

Other are saying Clemson and Ohio State are also in the mix.