ESPN ranked the Top-100 College Football players in 2023, and NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson is #13.
13. Payton Wilson
LB, NC State, Senior Wilson was, quite possibly, the best all-around defender in college football in 2023. He finished the regular season with 138 tackles (tops in the ACC, second in Power 5), six sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, 10 QB hurries, 6 pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries and 3 interceptions (including one returned for a TD).
Notable 2023 stats: 6 sacks, 3 INT, 1 FF
Preseason ranking: 81