⚡ CFB Dashboard

- NC State likes the top of its cornerback room if Jackson Vick and King Mack can remain healthy. - North Texas transfer Brian Nelson has drawn strong internal reviews after early injuries limited his role last season. - The safety rotation includes an experienced transfer capable of playing either free or strong safety. - Ty White and Caden Gordon are sophomore development candidates, but proven depth behind the projected starters remains thin. - Availability is the central variable after injuries depleted nearly the entire secondary by the middle of last season.

- NC State to win the ACC — Duck’s 25-1 long-shot futures play; he also said he already bet NC State over 6.5 wins. - NC State was singled out as a live ACC sleeper because the league is viewed as wide open, the schedule is manageable, and QB C.J. Bailey plus portal additions give them a credible path if they clear early hurdles. - NC State: Duck likes C.J. Bailey, a strong RB room, portal help at WR and on the defensive front, and an ACC schedule that avoids a lot of the league’s top teams. He called the league a place where surprise teams often reach the title game.

- NC State's offensive upside is tied to returning players exceeding last year's level, especially along the offensive line. - Anderson is singled out as needing to be better for the line to improve, while Spike Soles is noted as a returning starter. - The skill-position depth is still unproven because Duke Scott and Preston Douglas did not get much run, so NC State's surprise-team case in the ACC depends on several returners beating expectations.