BY: KENNY VARNER
The NC State Wolfpack enter the new season looking to bounce back from an uneven 6–7 campaign that ended in disappointment with a bowl loss to East Carolina. Inconsistency plagued both the offensive and defensive lines, and the team struggled to protect the football. The offense averaged a modest 378 yards and 28.5 points per game, ranking 62nd nationally. Injuries also took a toll, with projected starting quarterback Grayson McCall going down early, forcing freshman CJ Bailey into action for most of the season. Despite the circumstances, Bailey showed promise—and for the first time since 2018, the Wolfpack will have the same starting quarterback in consecutive seasons.
The defense was also erratic last year but is expected to take a step forward. With a manageable schedule, NC State is aiming to do more than just scrape into a bowl game.
CJ Bailey wasn’t expected to play a major role last season, but when called upon, he handled the challenge admirably. He passed for 2,413 yards with a solid 64.9% completion rate. While he threw 17 touchdowns, his 10 interceptions need to be cut down. Still, for a freshman thrown into the fire, Bailey exceeded expectations, and that experience may pave the way for a big leap in 2025.
In the backfield, Hollywood Smothers returns as the clear lead back after racking up 834 all-purpose yards and 8 touchdowns. On the offensive line, Jacarius Peak returns and has the potential to become the next great tackle for the Wolfpack. Anthony Carter returns at guard but will need to elevate his play. The staff believes they’ve landed a star at center in transfer Jalen Grant (Purdue), and Teague Anderson (Utah State) should bolster the tackle spot.
NC State will run an up-tempo offense this year, which means the receiving corps needs to step up. Noah Rogers and speedster Wesley Grimes will be key targets. This group remains unproven, but the return of tight end Justin Joly, who led the team with 661 receiving yards, offers a steady presence. If CJ Bailey can make the leap many expect, this unit could surprise.
Defensively, the Wolfpack finished 15th in the ACC in points allowed—far below expectations. The pass rush was inconsistent, and with leading sacker Davin Vann gone, questions remain up front. The defensive line will be thin but has potential. 315-pound Brandon Cleveland returns at nose tackle, joined by Travail Price. Redshirt freshman Josh Alexander-Felton will have an opportunity to earn snaps at defensive end, while Wyoming transfer Sebastian Harsh is expected to contribute right away.
The linebacking corps is a strength. Sean Brown returns on the outside after leading the team with 96 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss. Transfers Tra Thomas (Temple) and Cian Slone (Utah State) are expected to contribute immediately. In the middle, hard-hitting Caden Fordham returns after posting 48 tackles in six games before a season-ending knee injury. All signs point to a full recovery, which would be a major boost.
The secondary should also improve, especially with additions from the portal. Devon Marshall is a solid returning piece, but newcomers like Jaren Sensabaugh (Missouri) and safety JJ Johnson (Georgia State) could elevate the unit. Brian Nelson (North Texas) is a versatile, experienced defender expected to become a leader right away.
NC State has a solid roster, but don’t expect a return to the Top 25 just yet. The schedule is favorable—Clemson, Louisville, SMU, and Syracuse are not on the slate. The Wolfpack open the season against East Carolina, the same team that knocked them off in last year’s bowl game. A tough October trip to Notre Dame and a November road game at Miami will test this team. An early road matchup with an improved Duke squad should also be a good barometer.
Reaching 8 or 9 wins will be a challenge. A more realistic projection is a six-win season, with a shot at seven if things break right. While progress is likely, a true breakthrough season still seems at least a year away.