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.
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.