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13 hours ago
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With two new coordinators, NC State is bound to look different on the field in 2025. The Wolfpack want to operate fast on offense, while getting sacks and tackles for a loss in bunches on defense. It’ll be interesting to see which side of the ball emerges as this team’s strength, but the offense, led by quarterback CJ Bailey, seems to have the upper hand so far.
[Editor's note: This article is from Athlon Sports' 2025 College Football Preview print magazine. Order your copy today online, or pick one up at retail racks and newsstands nationwide.]
NC State 2025 Season Preview and Prediction
Previewing NC State’s Offense for 2025
NC State’s offense will have a new feel this season under Kurt Roper, who was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator in the offseason. It’s been eight years since Roper called an offense, but he’s tasked with improving a unit that was 62nd in scoring (28.5 points per game) a year ago.
Sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey will lead the attack after starting eight games in his first season of college football. He can build off last season with a core of playmakers around him, including senior tight end Justin Joly, sophomore wide receiver Noah Rogers and sophomore running back Hollywood Smothers.
Joly was the Wolfpack’s leading receiver with 661 yards and four touchdowns, while Smothers emerged as the top running back down the stretch, amassing 834 yards from scrimmage and eight scores. The expectation is that both will be featured pieces of Roper’s up-tempo offense.
Wolfpack QB CJ Bailey | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Previewing NC State’s Defense for 2025
Like the offense, NC State’s defense is breaking in a new coordinator in D.J. Eliot. The veteran defensive play-caller is looking to bring his pressure-based scheme to Raleigh, where getting after the quarterback is key to the unit’s ability to wreak havoc.
Senior nose tackle Brandon Cleveland is set to anchor the defensive line, while redshirt seniors Sean Brown and Caden Fordham will lead the team’s linebacker corps. Temple transfer linebacker Tra Thomas, who will likely spend most of his time at edge, impressed this past spring.
The Wolfpack will boast a largely new secondary as the transfer portal took most of the starters. Former FCS Villanova transfer Devon Marshall emerged as a consistent cornerback for the Pack a year ago and is set to start. Watch for young defensive backs like redshirt freshmen Ronnie Royal III and Jaren Sensabaugh to make waves this fall.
NC State LB Sean Brown | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Previewing NC State’s Specialists for 2025
Punter Caden Noonkester, placekicker Kanoah Vinesett and long-snapper Aiden Arias are set for another season with the Pack. Noonkester averaged 43.6 yards per boot, dropping 18 inside the 20-yard line and launching 14 punts of 50-plus yards. Vinesett is entering his second season as NC State’s starting placekicker. He was 18-of-24 on field-goal attempts with a long of 52 a year ago. He was a perfect 34-for-34 on PATs and was 14-for-16 on field-goal attempts under 40 yards.
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