NFL
By: Brad Sherrod
Expectations in Raleigh are no longer centered around rebuilding — they are centered around winning. As the NC State Wolfpack enters the 2026 football season, the program believes the foundation built over recent years has positioned the team to compete near the top of the ACC.
Under head coach Dave Doeren, the Wolfpack have yet to surpass nine wins in a season, but Doeren has established a culture built on physicality, discipline, and consistency. That culture has translated into bowl appearances and marquee victories. Now, however, NC State has its sights set on something bigger — competing for championships.
Key Storylines for the Offense
So, what will this NC State offense look like in 2026?
The Wolfpack offense will go as far as junior quarterback CJ Bailey can take it. Bailey enters the season as one of the ACC’s rising NFL prospects and will need to elevate his game as both a passer and a leader. With offensive coordinator Kurt Roper introducing new weapons at wide receiver and tight end, Bailey’s development will be critical to the success of the offense.
NC State lost significant offensive contributors through the transfer portal, including starting left tackle Jacarrius Peak (South Carolina), running back Hollywood Smothers (Texas), and wide receivers Terrell Anderson (USC) and Noah Rogers (Alabama). The biggest question entering the season is simple: where will the offensive production come from now?
The Wolfpack addressed those concerns aggressively through the portal, reloading across several key positions.
NC State welcomed multiple new faces at wide receiver to support Bailey, headlined by Miami transfers Joshisa “JoJo” Trader and Chance Robinson — both former high school teammates of Bailey. The Wolfpack also added Victor Snow from Buffalo and Davion Dozier from Appalachian State.
While the group arrives with talent and upside, wide receiver remains one of the biggest question marks on the roster. Can Bailey quickly build chemistry with an almost entirely new receiving corps?
The familiarity between Bailey, Trader, and Robinson could become a major advantage. If the former high school teammates can translate that connection into high-level production at the college level, the Wolfpack offense could take a major step forward. If not, NC State could face an inconsistent season offensively while the group develops chemistry.
Wolfpack Rushing Attack in 2026
Although NC State lost one of its top offensive weapons in running back Hollywood Smothers, who transferred to Alabama during the offseason, the Wolfpack appeared prepared for his departure by expanding the role of talented running back Duke Scott.
Scott now enters the season as NC State’s projected lead back, but the Wolfpack also added important depth and experience through the portal.
One of the most notable additions was former UNC running back Davion Gause, who made the surprising in-conference move to NC State. Gause played in all 12 games for the Tar Heels under first-year head coach Bill Belichick and also shares a connection with Bailey as another former high school teammate from the Miami area.
It is clear the Wolfpack emphasized familiarity and relationships in the portal, as Gause became the third transfer addition with previous ties to Bailey.
Gause brings valuable ACC experience along with a versatile skill set that includes change-of-pace ability and strong pass-catching skills out of the backfield. NC State will rely on his experience and versatility to complement Scott and create a productive one-two punch in the running game.
