247: NC State’s Payton Wilson is Expected to Opt Out of Pop-Tarts Bowl

Matt Zenitz’s of 247Sports reported last night that his sources were telling him that NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson is expected to opt out of playing in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against #25 Kansas State on December 28th.

NC State first-team All-American linebacker Payton Wilson is currently expected to opt out of the No. 18 Wolfpack’s Pop-Tarts Bowl matchup against No. 25 Kansas State, sources tell @247Sports https://t.co/suFxdEK6ix pic.twitter.com/Clz6Hkdb5I

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 16, 2023

I’ve confirmed the report with my own sources.

This is sad, but understandable news.

It’s sad, because it means we will never get to watch #11 play in the Red & White again. It’s sad, because the Wolfpack could really use Wilson on the field against #25 Kansas State, in order to win a historic 10th win.

It’s understandable because Wilson’s stock couldn’t be much higher right now. He’s a Unanimous All-American. He won the Bednarik Award, which is awarded to the best defensive player in college football. He won the Butkus Award, which is awarded to the best linebacker in college football. He was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Suffering an injury in the bowl game would jeopardize his draft stock, which is as high as it’s ever been.

Bradley Chubb made the same decision in 2017, after a nearly identical lineup of accolades, and ended up being drafted by the Broncos with the 5th overall pick.

I reached out to Wilson, and he said he is “ready to get down to Florida with the boys and get this 10th win.”

I know fans don’t like it, but Wilson is making the wise decision for his future.

Wilson has given his heart and soul to the NC State football team, and to the fans that pull for the Wolfpack.

I’ll write more about the legacy of Wilson later, but I’ll say this…

Thank you Payton Wilson! Job well done! No Wolfpack defender has ever done it better!