With different NFL mock drafts projecting Zach Wilson to be picked in the first round, is the BYU quarterback leaving Provo soon? Could Saturday’s season finale against San Diego State be the last time Wilson takes the field at LaVell Edwards Stadium?
Maybe.
But Wilson won’t be making that decision until the season is over.
“I think when the time comes, after the season is over, I’ll have a pretty good idea of what to do,” he said. “The plan for me now is to finish up this week, get to a good bowl game, compete, win the bowl game and then it really goes from there. Right now, my plan is to come back next year. I really haven’t thought about it because all my focus is with these boys. I really think when the time comes, I’ll know what to do.”
Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes said both Wilson and offensive lineman Brady Christensen are among those considering moving on from BYU following the 2020 season. Because of the pandemic, the NCAA essentially made this year a freebie when it comes to eligibility, so players will get the year back.
But only if they want it.
With that option on the table, Wilson could feasibly play another two seasons for BYU.
For now, Wilson is only focused on this season and has no plans to opt out of a bowl game. He wants to ride out the entire 2020 season with his teammates.
“I started with this team back in my freshman year in 2018 and had a 7-6 year, another 7-6 year and now we’re finally doing some good things,” Wilson said. “I think it would show my kind of character if I dropped out — I would never do something like that to these guys. They mean the world to me and I’m going to give them everything I have and play as long as I can and worry about everything in the future.”
NO. 14 BYU VS. SAN DIEGO STATE
At LaVell Edwards Stadium
When • Saturday, 8 p.m.
TV • ESPN2
Before Wilson and the Cougars even get to a bowl game, they have to finish up the regular season and face San Diego State.
Last year, the Aztecs gave BYU quite a bit of trouble. Wilson still managed to throw for 316 yards but was intercepted twice and unable to get into the end zone. The Cougars made only one of three field goal attempts in last year’s regular-season finale loss, but they hope things go differently this time around.
BYU will have to make sure to put aside last weekend’s loss at Coastal Carolina first, which included the Cougars’ worst offensive performance of the season. Through the first nine games, BYU averaged more than 47 points per game. At Coastal, the Cougars scored just a season-low 17 points.
Having lost the undefeated season has added a chip on the Cougars’ shoulders going into the last couple of games.
“Having one loss is way better than two,” Wilson said. “So, I think that’s the key for this week. We don’t want to end our regular season that way.”
