Zach Wilson Leaving BYU Football, Entering NFL Draft

PROVO, Utah – BYU star quarterback Zach Wilson announced that he will forgo another season in Provo and is declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Wilson announced his decision via social media on New Year’s Day to make his intentions known he’s off to the NFL.

“To the greatest fan base in the world. Thank you for the best 3 years of my life. On our own home turf, or on the road, there was no question that the Blue Wave would be fierce. BYU is a special place. I’m forever blue,” Wilson shared. “After much thought, prayer, and consideration, I am excited to announce, that I will be declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft. I pray that I will always make Cougar Nation proud.”

Wilson played for the Cougars from 2018-20 and led BYU to an 11-1 record in 2020.

COUGAR NATION pic.twitter.com/BLQtiKWygT

— Zachary Wilson (@zachkapono) January 1, 2021

After his announcement, BYU football said, “FOREVER a Cougar. Thank you for EVERYTHING @zachkapono!! We are excited to follow your pro career!!”

FOREVER a Cougar. Thank you for EVERYTHING @zachkapono!! We are excited to follow your pro career!! 💙 https://t.co/qc4T6hqWLs

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) January 1, 2021

The junior signal-caller had a meteoric rise up projected NFL draft boards during his 2020 season and is now viewed as a possible No. 2 quarterback behind Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence.

Wilson passed for 3,692 yards and completed 74 percent of his passes during his impressive junior campaign. The Draper, Utah native finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy voting for the 2020 season.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m., KSL Newsradio). Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper and the KSL Sports app.