NFL Hopeful Wyatt Milum Makes Bowl Game Intentions Known

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – “I want to play in a bowl game. I feel like it’s the right thing to do,” said WVU offensive lineman Wyatt Milum on Monday, already making his intentions known before anyone can even ask or wonder.

While the game, matchup and destination could change based on the result of West Virginia’s season finale at Texas Tech on Saturday, the Mountaineers are already bowl eligible and guaranteed some type of postseason. And since that’s the case, it creates the annual uncertainty if star players will decide to opt out of a lower tier bowl game, especially those viewed as NFL prospects.

WVU OL Wyatt Milum says he plans to play in the bowl game. He made it clear that’s what he wants to do.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) November 25, 2024

Zach Frazier suffered an injury in WVU’s final regular season game last year, taking the decision out of his hands. But Milum is healthy, even confidently saying “I feel good” when asked how his body is holding up and if he thinks he can handle the grind of a longer season in the NF. Many athletes with the NFL looming in front of them have decided to skip a non major bowl game in the past, and understandably so because risking injury is not necessarily worth the reward of winning a bowl game.

This is all notable because Milum’s NFL value is very real. He’s been viewed as an NFL prospect for years and PFF graded him as one of the best offensive lineman in the country all year.

“Wyatt Milum is playing himself into the first round conversation. He’s been the best offensive lineman in the country,” said PFF’s Max Chadwick.

David Kenyon of Bleacher Report also waxed poetic on what he thinks of Milum’s potential when it comes to the next level.

“It’s safe to say Wyatt Milum is a priority NFL prospect right now. Last season, per Pro Football Focus, the West Virginia left tackle yielded nine pressures and zero sacks in 337 pass-blocking snaps. Checking in at 6-foot-6 and 317 pounds, Milum has a prototypical build for an NFL tackle. He’ll also offer plenty of experience, considering he enters the 2024 campaign with 32 career starts at WVU,” wrote Kenyon.

WVSN photo/Kelsie LeRose

However, Milum wants to play.

Now it’s possible the program, namely his coaches, may still try to persuade him to not play, feeling that’s actually in his best interest. And it’s also possible he could take their advice and end up sitting out, but barring some drastic change, it’s clear he wants to be out on the field helping his team and representing West Virginia one last time.

For a related stories, Wyatt Milum is a finalist for the Outland Trophy and will participate in the Senior Bowl.