Ja’Lynn Polk has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Polk told ESPN’s Pete Thamel of his decision on Tuesday, one day after Washington lost to Michigan in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Polk projects as a likely Day 2 pick in the upcoming draft; in 2023, he was one of the best receivers in the Pac-12. He has the opportunity to return to UW next season, but Polk’s stock is probably at the highest it’ll be.

“For me, it really was a tough decision leaving my brothers,” Polk told ESPN. “Just knowing the opportunities of being able to make another run next year again. But I think this is the right time.”

He made 69 receptions for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns this season for Washington. With career numbers across the board, Polk finished fifth among Pac-12 receivers in yardage and yards per catch as well as seventh in touchdowns.

Polk posted seven 100-yard games. His best came against Stanford on Oct. 28, when he brought in five receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-33 win.

The 6-foot-2 Texas native becomes the first of UW’s draft-eligible players to declare. He’s not expected to be the last. UW could lose all three of its top receivers to the NFL. Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan can both return to Seattle in 2024, though Odunze is expected to be a first-round pick. McMillan’s stock is tougher to gauge after an injury in nonconference play limited him throughout the season.