Payton Wilson

Payton Wilson was the winner of the 2023 Butkus Award, presented to the nation's top linebacker, and the Bednarik Award, presented to the nation's top defensive player.

PRO CAREER

• Has yet to make NFL debut

COLLEGE

• 2023 Butkus Award (nation's top linebacker)
• 2023 Bednarik Award (nation's top defensive player)
• 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year
• 2023 Unanimous First-Team All-American (AP, AFCA, FWAA, Walter Camp and the Sporting News, along with CBS Sports, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, The Athletic, PFF, College Football Network, Bleacher Report)
• Fourth unanimous consensus All-American in school history
• Led the ACC and ranked fifth in the FBS in tackles with 11.5 per game
• Boasted 17.5 TFL for the season - the 10th best mark in school history
• Registered 138 total tackles
• Recorded a pick six in the win over Clemson
• Led the ACC in tackles for loss, ranked 10th in sacks and fifth in fumbles recovered
• Named the ACC Linebacker of the Week for the UConn, Louisville, Marshall, Clemson and UNC games
• Recorded 23 career double-figure tackle outputs, including nine in 2023

PERSONAL

• Played outside linebacker at Orange H.S.
• Tallied 266 tackles, 70 TFLs, 24 sacks and two interceptions
• Registered 103 tackles, including 21 for loss and 10 sacks, plus a pick-six, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery as a senior
• Also rushed 67 times for 222 yards and five TDs and pulled down 15 receptions for 263 yards and four TDs
• Named the Raleigh News & Observer's Player of the Year and the Male Athlete of the Year/ Also named Big 8 Defensive Player of the Year
• Selected to the U.S. Army All-American Game
• Won a state championship in wrestling and also played lacrosse
• No. 67 prospect nationally by 247sports.com
• No. 4 outside linebacker nationally and No. 3 prospect in North Carolina
• Brother, Bryse, is a pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers
• Graduated in December of 2022 with a degree in education