⚡ CFB Dashboard

NC State recently concluded spring practice. Although the Wolfpack made significant progress, there are still questions ahead of its 2026 campaign. Who starts at offensive guard? Teague Andersen is back on the right tackle and ECU transfer and first-team All-AAC selection Jimarion McCrimon will start on the opposite side. Outside of its two tackles, Spike Sowells Jr. is expected to start at center. That leaves the left and right guard. Graduate Yousef Mugharbil was one of the biggest surprises of spring ball and multiple sources believe he may be the starter at left guard. Although his progress is encouraging, I believe his ceiling is limited due to previous injuries. Redshirt junior Rico Jackson figures to be his main competition. Plus, it's worth noting Jackson is arguably State's top reserve tackle. Kamen Smith's early-season struggles were substantial last fall. However, Smith, who started six games at right guard, made strides as the season progressed. Unfortunately, Smith suffered a season-ending injury in the Pack's loss to Miami. My gut is he'll start at right guard, but I believe he will be pushed by Texas transfer Daniel Cruz, who's also cross training at center. Plus, whoever doesn't win the right guard battle may have a chance to compete on the opposite side.  Who starts at safety opposite Penn State transfer King Mack? Last fall, State was decimated by injuries at safety. However, the silver lining was young players such as Ronnie Royal III, Asaad Brown Jr. and Tristan Teasdell seeing extended action due to the aforementioned circumstances.  Royal III missed one game and played through nagging injuries all season. He made five starts, played 442 snaps, and tallied 49 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, a pass breakup, an interception and a forced fumble. Brown Jr. spent time at both safety and nickel, making ten starts, and registering 64 tackles, which was good for third-most on the team, two pass breakups and an interception. Teasdell, who was a true freshman last season, started the final five games, played 369 snaps, and finished with 23 tackles and picked off a pass. Based on the intel I've gathered, Royal III had a slight edge early in fall camp. However, I believe Brown Jr. closed the gap, and has since pulled even with Royal III. Before going further, that doesn't mean Teasdell can't win the job.  I expect the battle to wage into fall camp. But if I had to pick the starter today it would be Brown Jr. Regardless, the competition between the three prior to the season and beyond is invaluable. Who steps up at receiver? I posted an update earlier this week, but did some more digging on the Pack's receivers.  Make no mistake, the season-long suspension to Teddy Hoffmann is a major blow to State's receiver room. At the same time, it presents an opportunity for others in State's new-look room, which includes nine new players, to emerge. Hoffmann's absence opens the door at slot receiver for Buffalo transfer Victor Snow, who flashed throughout spring. Personally, I worry about Snow's size (5-foot-8, 170 pounds), but we'll see how it goes this fall. I believe junior Keenan Jackson could also see some time inside for the Wolfpack. Jackson, State's most experienced returning receiver, totaled 28 receptions for 281 yards with two scores last season, had the best spring of his Wolfpack career. Transfer-wise, former Appalachian State receiver Davion Dozier had the best spring of the newcomers. It also sounds like Miami transfer Joshisa "Jojo" Trader had a strong finish to spring ball. If the season started today, I believe the Pack's top three outside receivers would be Jackson, Dozier and Trader. Alcorn State transfer Tyran Warren and Miami transfer Chance Robinson could be in the mix for snaps, but the wildcard is true freshman Tyreek Copper, who's wasted little time turning heads in Raleigh. But again, who steps up for State? The Pack hasn't had a 1,000-yard receiver since 2017, and while it's critical to have multiple key playmakers, someone needs to become the go-to guy this fall if State's going to contend in the ACC.