Atlantic · 2026

NC State

2025 record 8–5 4–4 conference
Postseason Gasparilla Bowl W 31–7 vs Memphis
Head coach Dave Doeren Year 14
Scheme Multiple / Multiple 3-4
Conference
B−

Bailey gives a strong floor; WR/defensive turnover caps the ceiling

Portal
C+

Portal #9; useful portal fixes, not a top-tier ACC talent import

Depth
C+

QB/RB depth is fine; defensive depth is functional but portal-dependent

Market odds

To Win ACC
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
To Make Conf. Championship
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%
Over 7.5 wins
Yes 0.00%
No 0.00%

Recruiting ranks

Overall #11 48 commits · 231.74 pts
Portal #9 20 commits· avg 86.3

Roster notes

Leading story

Cleanest mid-tier QB answer — CJ Bailey returns

Offense

QB CJ Bailey; RB Duke Scott; WRs Keenan Jackson / JoJo Trader / Davion Dozier; TE Preston Douglas; rebuilt OL (Spike Sowells, Kamen Smith, Teague Andersen)

Defense

Joseph Adedire / Josiah Victor / Isaiah Shirley / Harvey Dyson / Da’Kaari Nelson / Popo Aguirre; Ondre Evans, King Mack, Brian Nelson II; nickel Jackson Vick

Key offense

  1. 01
    CJ Bailey QB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 273/397, 3,105 yds, 25 TD, 9 INT
    • 215 rush yards, 6 TD
  2. 02
    Jayden “Duke” Scott RB
    Returning
    • 2025 (regular season): 106 carries, 581 yds, 4 rushing TD, 15 receptions, 132 yds, 234 KR yards
  3. 03
    JoJo Trader WR
    Portal
    • Miami → NCSU
    • 2025 (regular season): 13 receptions, 178 yds, 1 TD

Key defense

  1. 01
    Popo Aguirre MLB
    Portal
    • Miami → NCSU
    • 2025 (regular season): 43 tackles in 16 games for CFP runner-up Miami
  2. 02
    King Mack FS
    Portal
    • Penn State → NCSU
    • 2025 (incl. bowl): 58 tackles, 1 INT, 3 PD
  3. 03
    Jackson Vick NB
    Returning
    • 2025 (incl. bowl) NCSU: 45 tackles, 6 passes defended