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.
The previous season, Wilson led the Seminoles in receiving as part of a breakout first year in Tallahassee. He recorded 43 catches for 895 yards and five touchdowns, including a career performance in the win over Oklahoma in the Cheez-It Bowl where he caught eight passes for 202 yards - an FSU postseason record.
Prior to transferring to Florida State, Wilson began his career at Arizona State. He's developed into one of the top playmakers in college football over the last two years.
Wilson is projected as a top-100 draft pick and could boost his stock at the Reese's Senior Bowl. The postseason all-star event now allows non-graduate juniors to participate in Mobile.
NoleGameday will continue to monitor potential opt-outs as we move forward into December.
More must-reads: