John Michael Schmitz previously announced that he would be opting out of the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Syracuse. Less than an hour before kickoff of the bowl, Schmitz announced that he would “respectfully” be opting out to focus on the Senior Bowl.

On Sunday, the Gopher star center officially announced that he would be declaring for the 2023 Draft. Posting his official statement on Twitter, Schmitz thanked his coaches, teammates, and Minnesota fans for his experiences in Minneapolis.

Expressing his gratitude, Schmitz stated, “I am excited to say I am declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft.” It was expected that the elite center would be declaring for the Draft, but nothing had been made official until Sunday’s announcement.

Schmitz has been imperative to the Gopher lineup and is an All-B1G First Team, Walter Camp Second Team All-America, AP First Team All-America, and Senior Bowl player. Schmitz was also a finalist for the Rimington Award, which is given to the top center in college football.