RELEASE: Payton Wilson To Join Wolfpack Football Ring Of Honor
RALEIGH, NC - Former Wolfpack linebacker Payton Wilson, who won two prestigious national awards during his final collegiate campaign, will be inducted into NC State Football's Ring of Honor, Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan and head coach Dave Doeren announced today.
Wilson will be honored in ceremonies prior to the Stanford game on Saturday, November 2.
"Payton Wilson was a dominant player on the field, but even more importantly, grew to become a great leader," said Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan. "He brought recognition and honor to our university, and we are proud to celebrate his accomplishments by inducting him into the Ring of Honor."
"Payton was the embodiment of 'Hard. Tough. Together,' said Doeren. "Watching him develop as a player and as a person during his time at NC State was one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I am so proud of him and honored to have been his coach."
Wilson dominated opponent offenses during his Wolfpack career, especially in his final campaign in red and white. He was the recipient of the 2023 Butkus Award, given to the nation's top linebacker, as well as the 2023 Bednarik Award, which goes to the top defensive player in the country.
He was named the 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and was a unanimous first-team All-American - honored by AP, AFCA, FWAA, Walter Camp, and the Sporting News, along with CBS Sports, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, The Athletic, PFF, College Football Network, and Bleacher Report. A finalist for the 2023 Nagurski Trophy, he is just the fourth unanimous first-team All-American in school history.
"I am so grateful to be inducted into the Wolfpack Football Ring of Honor," said Wilson. "It was one of my goals to have a career at NC State that would result in my name being listed among the all-time greats, and I'm proud that I accomplished it. I appreciate everything that Coach Doeren and Coach Gibson did for me."
Wilson led the ACC in tackles twice (2020 and 2023), ranking fifth in the FBS in tackles last season with 11.5 per game. His 17.5 tackles for loss in 2023 was the 10th-best mark in school history, and he notched 23 career double-figure tackle outputs.
The Hillsborough, N.C., native underwent multiple surgeries during his career and was forced to miss most of the 2021 season with a shoulder injury. He was a finalist for the 2022 National Comeback Player of the Year Award.
After being selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Wilson plays linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers.