Payton Wilson Announces He Will Not Play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl

The news already broke previously, but the man himself made the announcement today. NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson is opting out of playing in the Pop Tarts Bowl, in order to prepare for the next chapter of his football career in the NFL.

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— 11 (@payton_wilson21) December 24, 2023

Wilson’s stock has never been higher, and he has nothing left to prove to NFL Scouts. While his presence on the field would definitely increase NC State’s chances of beating #25 Kansas State in the bowl game, he also would put himself at risk of being injured, which would be detrimental to his draft stock.

While it’s sad that we won’t get to see #11 suit up one last time, let’s take a moment today to be grateful that we were privileged enough to be NC State fans while Wilson played for the Wolfpack.

Wilson simply is one of the best players to ever play football for NC State. He is 1 of only 3 players in school history to be named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He is the only player in NC State history to win the Butkus Award, which is handed out annually to the best Linebacker in College Football. He won the Bednarik Award, which is awarded annually to the best Defensive player in college football. Wilson earned 1st Team All-ACC honors for the 2nd time this season, becoming 1 of 37 players in school history to earn 1st Team honors multiple times. He is only the 4th player in school history to be named a Unanimous All-American. Wilson is 1 of 6 Wolfpack defenders to finish his career with 400+ tackles.

Originally a UNC commit, Wilson flipped his commitment to NC State coming out of Orange High School. He proved to be a perfect fit. Wilson’s tenacity and style of play embody the culture Dave Doeren and Tony Gibson have created.

Thank you Payton!