NFL
By: Brad Sherrod
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If opposing defenses believe NC State’s offense took a step back after losing several key playmakers, quarterback CJ Bailey wants to set the record straight.
Speaking with Team NBS Media during ACC Kickoff, Bailey made it clear the Wolfpack offense is built to be one of the conference’s most explosive units, regardless of the roster turnover.
“We’re very explosive,” Bailey said. “Don’t think because we lost a lot of weapons that we didn’t bring other guys in. We have a lot of guys on this offense that are explosive.”
Bailey acknowledged the outside perception that NC State may need time to replace departed talent, but he believes the new faces are more than capable of keeping the offense operating at a high level.
His biggest warning to opposing defenses, however, centered around the ground game.
“Believe it or not, we can kill you with our run game,” Bailey said. “We’ve got two dominant backs with speed and power. We can do that the whole game if we wanted to. So just be aware—don’t overlook us.”
The confidence wasn’t just about statistics or preseason expectations. Bailey’s message reflected the mindset inside the Wolfpack locker room: this offense believes it can beat defenses in multiple ways.
While Bailey enters the season with lofty individual expectations, his priorities remain centered on team success.
When asked about a personal goal for the 2026 season, the junior quarterback didn’t hesitate.
“I want to throw for 4,000 yards,” Bailey said. “And if it doesn’t come like that, but we win the ACC Championship, then I’m happy.”
It’s the type of answer NC State fans want to hear. Bailey has the confidence to chase elite numbers, but he’s not measuring success by passing yards alone. For him, bringing an ACC title back to Raleigh would outweigh any personal milestone.
As NC State prepares for the upcoming season, Bailey’s message is simple: underestimate the Wolfpack offense at your own risk. We’ll be following Bailey and the Wolfpack throughout the 2026 season as NC State looks to prove the doubters wrong and make a run at an ACC Championship.
