He was drafted out of Wisconsin, but he graduated from N.C.State in May 2010. Prior to transferring to Wisconsin for the 2011 season, he threw for 8,545 yards and 76 TDs in 3 seasons at N.C. State. After pursuing a possible career with the Colorado Rockies in early 2011, N.C. State granted Wilson a release from his scholarship with 1 year of eligibility remaining. He subsequently committed to Wisconsin for his final year.