2021 NFL Draft: Tylan Wallace seemingly, hilariously opts out at halftime

Did Tylan Wallace opt for the 2021 NFL Draft at halftime?

As the Oklahoma State Cowboys lead the Miami Hurricanes in the Cheez-It Bowl, quite an unpredictable event took place. At the half of the game, Oklahoma State wide receiver Tylan Wallace did not suit up for the second half for what was called a “player’s decision.” It appears Wallace’s college career is over as the 2021 NFL Draft is around the corner.

We have seen this before at the professional level, like when veteran cornerback Vontae Davis retired from the NFL at halftime of a game with the Buffalo Bills. However, this is quite a stunning situation at the college level, and the optics of it can’t help but crack a smile on the face of viewers.

Apparently the plan heading into the game was for Wallace to only play half of the game against the Hurricanes. That has not, however, prevented the internet from running wild with the optics of this situation.

What is next for Tylan Wallace?

The Oklahoma State wide receiver has already accepted a bid to the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama at the beginning of the 2021 season. From there he will go to the NFL Scouting Combine hoping to prove there are no lingering effects from his torn ACL a year ago.

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Wallace finishes his senior season in Stillwater with 872 yards receiving and six touchdowns on 53 catches. He finished his career with nearly 3,400 yards receiving and 26 touchdowns on 199 catches for the Cowboys. In the 2018 season, Wallace finished as a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award for the nation’s best receiver.

What is his 2021 NFL Draft outlook?

Facing steep competition in this wide receiver class, Wallace still has the makings of a top-75 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He is dominant at the catchpoint, has the makings of a consistent and reliable deep threat at the next level. Wallace possesses great body control around the boundary as well, playing with a high level of intellect.

A few good team fits for Wallace at the NFL level include the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Arizona Cardinals. There is still plenty of time in the pre-draft process, but after opting for the NFL Draft at halftime, Wallace is taking his talents to the next level.