⚡ CFB Dashboard

- On defense, Tulane transfer Harvey Dyson and cornerback Brian Nelson earned third-team recognition, and linebacker Popo Aguirre was named to the fourth team in his first season with the Pack. – Eight members of the 2026 The Wolfpack football team have been named to Phil Steele's preseason All-ACC team.

- QB: NC State Junior Quarterback CJ Bailey landed in The Sporting News' Spring 2026 Preseason Top-25 Quarterback Rankings.

- OL: Returning a loaded offensive line.

- 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.

- CJB needs development step forward. - WR room criticism valid. - O-line concerns on 2J. - D-line development uncertain without Wiles. - LB jury out on Coach Suge.

- Rivers likely QB Coach/offensive assistant under Roper; public scrutiny already difficult for Roper.

- $4M/year plus incentives; Garrett Bradbury traded to Bears to join Thuney on OL.

- Pick/market: 6-8 345lbs...good grief!

- QB: I like CJ and am glad he stayed but I can't see taking him over JKS.

- Lou Holtz was excellent motivator and character; his veer offense at NC State was awesome; good man, funny, respected coach.

- WR: There was no guarantee that any of the guys especially like Copper, Robinson, or Bolder wouldn't have just beaten him out for that spot any way.

- NC State in good position for Georgia OL Jordan Dillon with impressive offer list.

- Missing QB from Jordan-Harvey-Montgomery era who alternated passer/runner role, later moved to WR.

- NC State scrimmage: #1 offense scored FG, #2 on long pass; good receivers, CJ sacked once, Wilson scrambled well, O-line work-in-progress, D-front six solid.

- NC State guard battle: Mugharbil likely left guard despite injury ceiling; Kamen Smith favored right guard over Texas transfer Daniel Cruz.

- Lost three O-line starters, replaced one (McCrimon for Peak); guard depth and starter quality concerns; ground game struggled last year despite two studs at RB; offense could be worse.

- NC State QB CJ Bailey (3,105 yards, 25 TDs in 2025) must improve road consistency; 6-1 home vs 1-4 away, 73% home vs 64% road completion.