Florida State Star Wide Receiver Opts Out Of Orange Bowl, Declares For 2024 NFL Draft

The celebration in Tallahassee after Florida State's first conference championship in nine years turned to dismay 12 hours later when the program learned that it was unjustly being held out of the College Football Playoff. With a consolation game against Georgia on the schedule for later this month, it wouldn't be a surprise if multiple members of the roster decide not to play in the game to protect their professional futures.

On Wednesday morning, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that FSU star wide receiver Johnny Wilson will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. He becomes the first member of the team to depart for the professional level as Wilson does not plan to suit up in the Orange Bowl on December 30.

Wilson is expected to participate in the Senior Bowl after a 2023 campaign that was marred by injuries. He missed three games and parts of two others after suffering two injuries within a short time of one another in October. Wilson finished the season with 41 catches for 617 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the time away from the field, he finished less than 50 yards behind Keon Coleman.