WINGATE – A disastrous first quarter gave way to a dominant second half for Wingate on Saturday afternoon, as the Bulldogs overcame a 14-point deficit and scored 35 unanswered points to defeat Anderson 35-14 in South Atlantic Conference action at Irwin Belk Stadium.

Ethan Wallace rushed for 146 yards and three touchdowns, while quarterback Brooks Brien threw for 254 yards and two scores as Wingate improved to 5-4 overall and 4-3 in conference play. The Bulldogs outgained Anderson 488-151 and held the Trojans scoreless over the final three quarters.

Anderson (4-5, 3-4 SAC) appeared headed for a different outcome after capitalizing on Wingate mistakes to build a 14-0 advantage less than 12 minutes into the contest.

Quarterback Wilson Edwards connected with Lennix Valarie for a 36-yard touchdown with 5:26 remaining in the opening quarter. Less than two minutes later, Daniel Williams blocked a Wingate punt, and Chase Sturgeon recovered the ball and carried it 10 yards into the end zone to double the Trojans' lead.

But Anderson's offense would not score again.

Wingate began its comeback on the ensuing possession, driving 65 yards in seven plays. Brien found Xavier Jackson for a 26-yard gain to the Anderson five-yard line before connecting with Silas Tate for a touchdown with 10 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs pulled even early in the second quarter. Starting at their own 26, Wingate moved 74 yards in seven plays, with Wallace breaking free for a 31-yard touchdown run that tied the game at 14-14 with 10:36 left before halftime.

Photo Credit: Jenna Derouaux (Wingate Athletics)

Wingate had an opportunity to take the lead before the break, but Gunnar Hilsinger missed a 30-yard field goal attempt as time expired.

The missed opportunity mattered little once the second half began.

On Anderson's first offensive play of the third quarter, J'Von Mack intercepted Edwards and returned the ball four yards to the Trojans' 39-yard line. Four plays later, Wallace scored from two yards out to give Wingate its first lead of the afternoon, 21-14.

The Bulldogs' defense quickly produced another opportunity. Anthony Dangerfield intercepted Edwards on Anderson's next possession, returning the ball 15 yards to the Wingate 35.

This time, the Bulldogs methodically marched 65 yards in 11 plays, consuming more than six minutes. Damonte James contributed several important runs, while Wallace converted a fourth-and-one near the goal line before scoring from a yard out with 4:03 remaining in the third quarter.

Leading 28-14, Wingate needed only one play to put the game out of reach.

After forcing another Anderson punt, Brien connected with Jackson for a 70-yard touchdown with 2:31 left in the third quarter, extending the advantage to 35-14. Jackson finished with five receptions for 170 yards, accounting for more than two-thirds of Wingate's passing yardage.

The Bulldogs scored 21 points in the third quarter, turning a halftime tie into a commanding three-touchdown lead.

While Wingate's offense generated the points, its defense ensured Anderson had few opportunities to respond. The Trojans managed just 33 rushing yards on 19 attempts and converted only two of 10 third-down opportunities.

Wingate recorded three sacks and eight tackles for loss. Gee Walker contributed 1.5 sacks, while Chris Harris finished with five tackles, half a sack and a fumble recovery. Elijah Evans added 1.5 tackles for loss and forced a fumble.

Anderson's Edwards completed 10 of 21 passes for 118 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. Valarie led the Trojans with three receptions for 59 yards, while Darren Lloyd rushed for 37 yards on seven carries.

The Bulldogs controlled the football for more than 38 minutes and finished with 21 first downs compared with Anderson's eight. Wingate rushed for 234 yards on 51 attempts, with James adding 60 yards on 11 carries to complement Wallace's performance.

The victory marked a significant turnaround from an opening quarter in which Wingate surrendered two touchdowns without allowing Anderson to sustain a conventional scoring drive beyond its initial touchdown possession. After falling behind 14-0, the Bulldogs outgained the Trojans, controlled possession and turned two third-quarter interceptions into touchdowns.

Wingate will look to carry that momentum into its next South Atlantic Conference matchup when the Bulldogs host Emory & Henry on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T gave its 100th homecoming celebration a memorable finish Saturday afternoon, rallying from a seven-point second-half deficit to defeat Elon 13-10 before 22,401 fans at Truist Stadium.

Asher Holland kicked a 34-yard field goal with 2:18 remaining to break a 10-10 tie, and the Aggies recovered an Elon fumble in the closing minute to preserve the victory in the centennial edition of the university's Greatest Homecoming on Earth.

The win improved North Carolina A&T to 4-5 overall and 3-2 in Coastal Athletic Association play, while Elon fell to 4-5 and 2-3 with its fourth consecutive loss. The Aggies also snapped a three-game losing streak against the Phoenix, earning their first victory in the series since joining the CAA in 2023.

For much of the afternoon, the celebration surrounding the game provided more excitement than either offense. The teams combined for just three points in the first half, and North Carolina A&T committed three turnovers that helped Elon build a 10-3 lead midway through the third quarter.

But the Aggies responded with their longest scoring drive of the game, then controlled the fourth quarter before delivering the decisive defensive play.

Quarterback Kevin White led North Carolina A&T with 97 rushing yards on 14 carries while completing 11 of 23 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown. His mobility helped the Aggies generate 170 rushing yards and sustain possessions against an Elon defense that recorded three sacks.

North Carolina A&T trailed 10-3 after Elon capitalized on consecutive third-quarter turnovers. Tyler Owens recovered a muffed kickoff return to set up a 25-yard field goal by Luke Barnes, tying the game at 3-3. Moments later, Trey Woods recovered a White fumble at the Aggies' 27-yard line.

Elon quarterback Brady Stober connected with Zimere Winston for 23 yards on the next play, and freshman Kamerin McDowell-Moore eventually scored on a two-yard run on fourth-and-goal with 7:19 left in the third quarter.

Facing their largest deficit of the afternoon, the Aggies answered with a 12-play, 76-yard touchdown drive that consumed 6:48. White finished the possession with an eight-yard touchdown pass to Jayvonne Dillard with 31 seconds remaining in the quarter, pulling North Carolina A&T even at 10-10.

The Aggies continued to control possession in the fourth quarter, holding the ball for 9:46 of the final 15 minutes. After forcing an Elon punt, North Carolina A&T took over at its own 45-yard line with 6:40 remaining.

An eight-play, 38-yard drive moved the Aggies to the Elon 17, where Holland connected from 34 yards to give North Carolina A&T its first lead since halftime.

Elon still had an opportunity to spoil the homecoming celebration.

Starting at its own 18-yard line with 2:13 remaining, the Phoenix moved quickly into North Carolina A&T territory. Stober completed a 13-yard pass to Winston and a 36-yard connection to Alex Voss, while a pass interference penalty helped extend the possession.

But on third-and-six at the Aggies' 17-yard line, Stober was sacked and lost a fumble with 44 seconds remaining. Cadricus Stanley recovered for North Carolina A&T, allowing the Aggies to exhaust the remaining clock.

The final defensive stand capped an afternoon in which North Carolina A&T limited Elon to 201 total yards and nine first downs. The Aggies recorded four sacks, including one each from Kamari Blankumsee, Steven Davis II, Tyrek Brown and Travon Dye. Blankumsee finished with eight tackles, while Brown forced two fumbles.

Elon received another productive performance from McDowell-Moore, who rushed for 102 yards on 25 carries and scored the Phoenix's only touchdown. The freshman surpassed 100 rushing yards for the fifth consecutive game and sixth time this season.

North Carolina A&T finished with 264 total yards, including 50 rushing yards from J.T. Smith. The Aggies converted eight of 16 third-down opportunities, compared with Elon's three conversions in 15 attempts.

Holland accounted for seven of North Carolina A&T's 13 points, connecting on both field goal attempts and his lone extra point. His first field goal, a 25-yarder with 21 seconds remaining in the second quarter, provided the only scoring of the first half.

The victory gave North Carolina A&T a winning conference record with three games remaining in the regular season. More immediately, it ensured that the Aggies' 100th homecoming would be remembered for a fourth-quarter comeback and a defensive stop that protected a three-point lead.

RALEIGH – NC State began a new chapter in its football program Saturday afternoon with a familiar result: a victory at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Playing its first game since the dismissal of longtime head coach Dave Doeren, the Wolfpack broke a halftime tie with 21 unanswered points to defeat Cal 31-10, giving interim head coach Todd Goebbel a victory in his debut.

The win improved NC State to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, while Cal fell to 3-6 and 2-4 in the league.

The result came one week after a 31-28 loss at Stanford prompted NC State to dismiss Doeren, who was in his 14th season leading the program. The school also parted ways with defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot and general manager Andy Vaughn, leaving Goebbel to guide the Wolfpack through the remainder of the season.

Saturday's performance offered an encouraging beginning, particularly in a second half when NC State controlled the scoreboard and kept Cal out of the end zone.

Quarterback CJ Bailey completed 13 of 25 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns, while Davion Gause provided the Wolfpack with a consistent rushing threat, carrying 19 times for 104 yards and a touchdown.

NC State wasted little time getting started. On the game's opening possession, Bailey connected with Deandre Desinor for a 49-yard touchdown on third down, giving the Wolfpack a 7-0 lead just 91 seconds into the contest.

Kanoah Vinesett extended the advantage to 10-0 with a 43-yard field goal early in the second quarter, but Cal answered before halftime.

Golden Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele found Chase Hendricks for a 30-yard touchdown with 4:58 remaining in the half. After a missed field goal on an earlier possession, Cal tied the game on the final play of the second quarter when Towns McGough converted a 38-yard attempt.

The 10-10 halftime score left NC State facing a familiar challenge: finding a way to finish a competitive game.

This time, the Wolfpack delivered.

NC State regained the lead on its opening possession of the second half, marching 73 yards in nine plays. Bailey finished the drive with a 38-yard touchdown pass to Chance Robinson, putting the Wolfpack ahead 17-10 with 9:40 remaining in the third quarter.

The defense prevented Cal from responding, and NC State added another touchdown late in the period. A 10-play, 75-yard possession ended with Darius Johnson scoring on a two-yard run with 11 seconds left, extending the advantage to 24-10.

Gause delivered the final blow in the fourth quarter, scoring from six yards out to complete a seven-play, 90-yard drive. His touchdown pushed the lead to 31-10 with 9:05 remaining and effectively settled the outcome.

The Wolfpack finished with 327 yards of total offense, including 135 rushing yards. Robinson led NC State's receivers with four catches for 76 yards, while Victor Snow added four receptions for 48 yards.

Defensively, NC State limited Cal to 269 total yards and just 73 on the ground. The Golden Bears converted only five of 18 third-down opportunities and failed to score in either the third or fourth quarter.

Linebacker Popo Aguirre led the Wolfpack with 16 tackles, including two tackles for loss. NC State also recorded three sacks and seven tackles for loss while intercepting Sagapolutele once.

Sagapolutele completed 29 of 45 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown for Cal. Hendricks finished with seven receptions for 67 yards, accounting for the Golden Bears' only touchdown.

The victory does not settle the questions surrounding NC State's long-term coaching future, but it gives Goebbel a successful start and keeps the Wolfpack's postseason hopes alive.

At 4-4, NC State needs two victories over its final four regular-season games to reach six wins. After a week dominated by changes on the sideline, the Wolfpack took an important step toward that goal on the field.

CHAPEL HILL – Eight defending state champions, several potential championship rematches and a new postseason journey across North Carolina highlight the 2026 NCHSAA football playoff brackets, released ahead of the opening round on Friday, November 6.

All eight teams that captured state championships last December are back in the postseason field, including Hough, Grimsley, Watauga, Crest, Reidsville, Shelby, Tarboro and Wilson Prep. But their paths toward repeating vary considerably.

Hough, which shut out Millbrook 21-0 in last year's 8A championship, enters the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the West. Millbrook holds the top seed in the East, leaving open the possibility of a rematch if both teams advance through their regions.

Tarboro also earned a No. 1 seed after defeating Murphy 22-0 for the 2A championship last season. Murphy returns as the West's No. 3 seed, while Crest, last year's 5A champion, holds the top seed in the 5A West.

Not every defending champion enters with a favorable seed. Watauga, which defeated Middle Creek 47-25 for the 6A championship, begins its title defense as the No. 13 seed in the West. Reidsville, which captured the 4A title with a 50-20 victory over Brevard, enters as the East's No. 5 seed.

The first round begins November 6, with higher-seeded teams hosting throughout the postseason. State championship games are scheduled for December 10–12 at UNC, Campbell and Lenoir-Rhyne.

2026 NCHSAA Football Playoffs First-Round Matchups

Friday, November 6, 2026 | Higher seed hosts | Seeds in parentheses

1A

East

(8) Columbia vs. (9) Washington County

(6) KIPP Pride High vs. (11) Jones Senior

(7) Rocky Mount Preparatory School vs. (10) Weldon STEM

First-round byes: (1) Northside-Pinetown, (4) North Edgecombe, (5) Southeast Collegiate Prep Academy, (3) Sallie B. Howard, (2) Hobgood Charter School

West

(8) College Prep & Leadership Academy vs. (9) Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy

(6) South Davidson Middle and vs. (11) North Stokes

(7) Rosman vs. (10) Andrews

First-round byes: (1) Chatham Central, (4) Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy, (5) East Columbus Junior-Senior, (3) Robbinsville, (2) Wilson Preparatory Academy

2A

East

(16) Rosewood vs. (17) Pamlico County

(12) Camden County vs. (21) American Leadership Academy Johnston

(13) Northwest Halifax vs. (20) Lejeune

(14) East Carteret vs. (19) Union

(11) Bertie vs. (22) TMSA Triangle

(15) Hobbton vs. (18) Northampton County

First-round byes: (1) Tarboro, (8) Gates County Senior, (9) North Duplin, (5) Manteo, (4) Lakewood, (3) Warren County, (6) East Bladen, (7) Southside, (10) West Columbus, (2) John A. Holmes

West

(16) Langtree Charter Academy vs. (17) Avery County

(12) Cherryville vs. (21) Elkin

(13) Albemarle vs. (20) Bradford Preparatory School

(14) South Stokes vs. (19) South Stanly

(11) Cherokee vs. (22) Hayesville

(15) Swain County vs. (18) Bishop McGuinness Catholic

First-round byes: (1) Corvian Community School, (8) East Wilkes, (9) Christ the King Catholic, (5) Alleghany, (4) Community School of Davidson, (3) Murphy, (6) North Rowan, (7) Mountain Island Charter School, (10) Mitchell, (2) Starmount

3A

East

(16) Wake Prep vs. (17) Greene Central

(9) Wallace-Rose Hill vs. (24) Trinity

(12) South Columbus vs. (21) Dalton L. McMichael

(13) Louisburg Magnet vs. (20) Ayden-Grifton

(14) Princeton vs. (19) Pender

(11) Providence Grove vs. (22) South Lenoir

(10) Farmville Central vs. (23) Heide Trask

(15) Northwood vs. (18) Kinston

First-round byes: (1) Northeastern, (8) Pasquotank County, (5) Martin County, (4) James Kenan, (3) Midway, (6) Eastern Randolph, (7) Hertford County, (2) Whiteville

West

(16) North Wilkes vs. (17) Pine Lake Prep

(9) Mountian Heritage vs. (24) Bessemer City

(12) West Davidson vs. (21) East Davidson

(13) Charles D. Owen vs. (20) Polk County

(14) East Surry vs. (19) Wheatmore

(11) Union Academy vs. (22) Robert Patton

(10) West Wilkes vs. (23) Jimmy C. Draughn

(15) East Rutherford vs. (18) West Lincoln

First-round byes: (1) North Stanley, (8) Lincolnton, (5) Thomasville, (4) Walkertown, (3) Hendersonville, (6) Mount Airy, (7) CHASE, (2) Shelby

4A

East

(16) Washington vs. (17) Eastern Wayne

(9) Fairmont vs. (24) Carver

(12) Randleman vs. (21) Hugh M. Cummings

(13) Ledford vs. (20) Jordan-Matthews

(14) North Pitt vs. (19) Southwest Onslow

(11) Nash Central vs. (22) Central Davidson

(10) Roanoke Rapids vs. (23) Lexington

(15) Bunn vs. (18) Anson

First-round byes: (1) East Duplin, (8) Southwestern Randolph, (5) Reidsville, (4) West Craven, (3) Clinton, (6) Southwest Edgecombe, (7) John Morehead, (2) T.W. Andrews

West

(16) East Burke vs. (17) North Surry

(9) Rutherford-Spindale Central vs. (24) Lincoln Charter School

(12) Wilkes Central vs. (21) Bandys

(13) Bunker Hill vs. (20) East Gaston

(14) West Stanley vs. (19) Salisbury

(11) South Rowan vs. (22) Forbush

(10) Pisgah vs. (23) Fred T. Foard

(15) Maiden vs. (18) Newton-Conover

First-round byes: (1) Hibriten, (8) Lake Norman Charter School, (5) Mount Pleasant, (4) Burns, (3) West Iredell, (6) West Stokes, (7) Stuart Cramer, (2) Tuscola

5A

East

(16) West Carteret vs. (17) Currituck

(9) Rocky Mount vs. (24) Charles B. Aycock

(12) South Granville vs. (21) South Brunswick

(13) Western Alamance vs. (20) Southern Wayne

(14) Montgomery Central vs. (19) J.F. Webb

(11) Saint Pauls vs. (22) Person

(10) Orange vs. (23) Richlands

(15) Southern Nash vs. (18) Rockingham County

First-round byes: (1) Southeast Alamance, (8) Havelock, (5) Seaforth, (4) Croatan, (3) James B. Hunt, (6) Fike, (7) Eastern Alamance, (2) Northside-Jacksonville

West

(16) Parkwood vs. (17) Clyde A. Erwin

(9) Hickory vs. (24) Hunter Huss

(12) Northwest Cabarrus vs. (21) North Lincoln

(13) Smoky Mountain vs. (20) North Buncombe

(14) North Davidson vs. (19) East Rowan

(11) Enka vs. (22) North Henderson

(10) Forest Hills vs. (23) Forestview

(15) West Henderson vs. (18) Jesse Carson

First-round byes: (1) Crest, (8) Oak Grove, (5) Monroe, (4) South Point, (3) Jay M. Robinson, (6) West Rowan, (7) East Lincoln, (2) Franklin

6A

East

(16) South Johnston vs. (17) Felton Grove

(9) Seventy First vs. (24) Lee County

(12) Franklinton vs. (21) Terry Sanford

(13) Swansboro vs. (20) White Oak

(14) Westover vs. (19) West Johnston

(11) Harnett Central vs. (22) Western Harnett

(10) Triton vs. (23) South View

(15) Gray's Creek vs. (18) Northern Durham

First-round byes: (1) J.H. Rose, (8) Middle Creek, (5) Union Pines, (4) Scotland, (3) Northern Nash, (6) Southern Alamance, (7) Walter Williams, (2) Jacksonville

West

(16) A.C. Reynolds vs. (17) Statesville

(9) Sun Valley vs. (24) St. Stephens

(12) Ashbrook vs. (21) Central Cabarrus

(13) Watauga vs. (20) Olympic

(14) Robert B. Glenn vs. (19) Eastern Guilford

(11) Northern Guilford vs. (22) South Caldwell

(10) Charlotte Catholic vs. (23) Piedmont

(15) Lucy Ragsdale vs. (18) Phillip O. Berry Academy

First-round byes: (1) Asheville, (8) James B. Dudley, (5) Mount Tabor, (4) Kings Mountain, (3) Asheboro, (6) Alexander Central, (7) Freedom, (2) T.C. Roberson

7A

East

(16) Fuquay-Varina vs. (17) Topsail

(9) D.H. Conley vs. (24) East Wake

(12) Eugene Ashley vs. (21) Pine Forest

(13) Holly Springs vs. (20) Overhills

(14) South Central vs. (19) Sanderson

(11) Hillside vs. (22) South Garner

(10) Southeast Raleigh vs. (23) New Hanover

(15) Heritage vs. (18) North Brunswick

First-round byes: (1) Cleveland, (8) Cape Fear, (5) New Bern, (4) Southern Durham, (3) Clayton, (6) Wake Forest, (7) Cardinal Gibbons, (2) Garner Magnet

West

(16) Hopewell vs. (17) Porter Ridge

(9) Hickory Ridge vs. (24) Chapel Hill

(12) West Cabarrus vs. (21) Parkland

(13) Jack Britt vs. (20) Richard J. Reynolds

(14) Richland Senior vs. (19) Ballantyne Ridge

(11) Mooresville vs. (22) South Iredell

(10) Davie County vs. (23) Lumberton

(15) David W. Butler vs. (18) Independence

First-round byes: (1) Weddington, (8) East Forsyth, (5) A.L. Brown, (4) Ronald W. Reagan, (3) Lake Norman, (6) Marvin Ridge, (7) Page, (2) Grimsley

8A

East

(8) Panther Creek vs. (9) Emsley A. Laney

(5) Green Hope vs. (12) Willow Spring

(6) Charles E. Jordan vs. (11) Wakefield

(7) Leesville Road vs. (10) Broughton

First-round byes: (1) Millbrook, (4) Rolesville, (3) John T. Hoggard, (2) Apex Friendship

West

(8) Palisades vs. (9) Ardrey Kell

(5) Myers Park vs. (12) South Mecklenburg

(6) Pinecrest vs. (11) Providence

(7) West Charlotte vs. (10) Hoke County

First-round byes: (1) William Amos Hough, (4) West Forsyth, (3) Mallard Creek, (2) Julius Chambers

RALEIGH – Dave Doeren accepted responsibility for NC State's disappointing football season Tuesday, but the former Wolfpack head coach also delivered a pointed message about what the university must do to achieve the championships that eluded him during his 14-year tenure.

"For this program to become what is wanted and expected, the resources need to match the expectations," Doeren said in a final Zoom call with reporters. "That is the reality in college sports."

Speaking publicly for the first time since his dismissal Saturday, Doeren addressed reporters in Raleigh for more than 17 minutes without taking questions. His remarks combined an emotional farewell to the university with a defense of his record and an assessment of how the transfer portal and player compensation have changed college football.

Doeren was fired less than 24 hours after NC State's 31-28 loss at Stanford dropped the Wolfpack to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

The winningest coach in program history departed with 98 victories, four nine-win seasons and a record of sustained bowl eligibility. But he never delivered the ACC championship or 10-win season that remained among the program's most significant goals.

"I wanted so badly to win a championship here at NC State, but I will be cheering for this program to get there under its future leadership," Doeren said.

Much of his statement focused on the changing economics of college football and the difficulties of maintaining the player-development model that had helped define his success.

Doeren described taking pride in identifying overlooked recruits and developing them into productive college players over several seasons. That approach allowed NC State to build experienced rosters and compete against programs with more highly rated recruiting classes.

"We had a way to identify guys, develop them, and turn a two-star or three-star player into a five-star player," he said. "That motivated me."

The transfer portal and the expansion of name, image and likeness compensation, however, made that approach increasingly difficult.

Doeren said programs must now spend significant resources not only to acquire starters but also to retain experienced backups who might otherwise transfer for greater opportunities or compensation.

He argued that maintaining competitive depth has become particularly challenging for programs without the financial resources available to college football's wealthiest institutions.

"For as many great players as we've retained, we've also lost, on average, four potential NFL players a year over the last three years," Doeren said.

The former coach said losing experienced players can leave teams relying on freshmen or redshirt freshmen much earlier than anticipated, particularly when injuries affect the starting lineup.

"Retention and acquisition are expensive and very competitive in the space we're in now," he said.

The comments offered context for NC State's recent roster challenges.

Following an 8-5 season in 2025, the Wolfpack retained quarterback CJ Bailey but lost several significant offensive contributors through the transfer portal, including running back Hollywood Smothers, wide receiver Noah Rogers, offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak and receiver Terrell Anderson.

Doeren did not identify those players individually during Tuesday's statement, but his broader argument reflected the difficulties of retaining and replacing experienced talent in the current environment.

He also acknowledged that financial disparities between programs have become increasingly important in determining competitive success.

"There are haves and have-nots when it comes to how much money schools have in this space," Doeren said.

His remarks were not an explicit accusation that NC State's administration had failed to support him. Doeren praised athletic director Boo Corrigan, calling him a trusted leader and expressing confidence in the university's ability to find his replacement.

But he made clear that the next coach will face challenges that cannot be solved through recruiting and player development alone.

"You can't just recruit a class, develop them for four years, and make them better than everybody else's players," he said.

Despite those concerns, Doeren did not attempt to excuse the Wolfpack's struggles this season.

"I know this year was disappointing, and I take full blame," he said.

The acknowledgment came near the end of a statement in which Doeren outlined what he considered the accomplishments of his tenure.

He pointed to 98 victories, 11 bowl seasons, more than 32 players reaching the NFL and a team grade-point average that he said increased from 2.1 to 3.1.

He also highlighted the program's success against rival North Carolina, including five consecutive victories, and the growth of attendance at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Doeren said the program had changed significantly since his arrival in 2013, when empty seats and early departures were common at home games.

"Carter-Finley is a party, man," he said. "It's special because of you and your commitment to being at the games and cheering on the players."

Beyond football, Doeren expressed particular pride in OnePack Empowered, a university program supporting students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

He said the initiative currently serves approximately 50 students and has a waiting list. Doeren expressed hope that university leadership would find a way to continue the program after his family's final financial contribution in March.

The former coach also thanked numerous university employees, assistant coaches, academic staff members and North Carolina high school coaches who helped establish his family in Raleigh.

He reserved especially personal remarks for his wife, Sara, and their three sons, explaining that one of his original goals upon accepting the NC State job was to remain long enough for his children to grow up without having to move.

That goal, he said, had been accomplished.

Doeren also reflected on the unfamiliar experience of being unemployed after 32 years in coaching.

"I've coached for 32 years, and I've never been unemployed," he said. "These last few days in October, waking up with an empty calendar and no alarm clock, have been very different."

He said he does not know what comes next professionally but looks forward to spending time with family and friends, traveling, golfing and fishing.

For the first time since childhood, he expects to experience an autumn that does not revolve around football.

Still, Doeren emphasized that his relationship with NC State will continue.

"I leave here with no grudges," he said. "I completely love this place."

He also urged Wolfpack supporters to stand behind the current players and coaching staff as the team attempts to recover from its difficult start.

Running backs coach and special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season, beginning Saturday when NC State hosts California.

Doeren said the players deserve continued support through the final five games, regardless of the coaching change.

His departure leaves NC State searching for a new leader while confronting questions about the financial commitments necessary to compete in an increasingly expensive college football landscape.

The next coach will inherit a program with a history of recent bowl appearances, a passionate fan base and expectations of competing for ACC championships.

Doeren's message Tuesday was that those expectations remain achievable, but the resources required to meet them have changed.

For a coach who spent 14 seasons trying to deliver a championship to Raleigh, the hope now is that his successor receives the opportunity to finish what he started.

RALEIGH – NC State has fired head football coach Dave Doeren after 14 seasons, ending the longest coaching tenure in program history less than 24 hours after the Wolfpack suffered a 31-28 loss at Stanford.

Athletic director Boo Corrigan announced the decision Saturday, with Doeren relieved of his duties effective immediately. NC State enters the remainder of the 2026 season with a 3-4 overall record and a 1-3 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

"I want to thank Coach Doeren for his service and contributions to NC State, and for always representing the university with pride," Corrigan said in a statement. "I appreciate his leadership during his 14-year tenure and the passion he brought to this role. We wish Dave, Sara and his family the best in the future."

Todd Goebbel, who has served as NC State's running backs coach and special teams coordinator, will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Goebbel has been on the Wolfpack staff since 2019.

The university said a national search for Doeren's replacement would begin immediately.

The dismissal brings an abrupt end to an era defined by sustained competitiveness but an inability to deliver the conference championships and breakthrough seasons that have long eluded the Wolfpack.

Doeren, who arrived in Raleigh before the 2013 season following a successful tenure at Northern Illinois, leaves as the winningest head coach in NC State football history with 98 victories.

His teams recorded 10 winning seasons and reached bowl eligibility in 11 of his 14 years. NC State won at least eight games in five of the previous six seasons, including an 8-5 finish in 2025.

But the program never reached 10 victories in a season under Doeren, leaving the 2002 team led by quarterback Philip Rivers as the only 10-win squad in school history.

The Wolfpack also failed to capture an ACC championship during his tenure.

Doeren's most successful teams came close to establishing new benchmarks. NC State finished 9-4 in 2017 and 2018, went 9-3 in 2021 and posted another 9-4 campaign in 2023. Each of those seasons matched the second-highest victory total in program history.

The consistency represented a substantial improvement from the beginning of Doeren's tenure.

NC State went 3-9 during his first season in 2013 before rebounding to finish 8-5 the following year. The Wolfpack subsequently became a regular postseason participant, developing a reputation for competing against some of the ACC's strongest programs.

Yet the program struggled to turn that stability into championship contention.

The challenges became more pronounced as college football entered an era increasingly shaped by the transfer portal and name, image and likeness compensation.

Following an 8-5 season in 2025, NC State invested heavily in retaining quarterback CJ Bailey but lost several important offensive contributors.

Running back Hollywood Smothers transferred to Texas, wide receiver Noah Rogers departed for Alabama, offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak joined South Carolina and receiver Terrell Anderson moved to Southern California.

The roster turnover created additional challenges for a program attempting to maintain its competitive position in the ACC.

The 2026 season began with hopes of another winning campaign but quickly became uneven.

NC State managed an upset victory over Louisville but struggled against other Power Four opponents. Friday's loss at Stanford dropped the Wolfpack below .500 and ultimately proved to be Doeren's final game.

The Cardinal accumulated 477 yards of offense in the victory, including 303 passing yards and four touchdowns from quarterback Davis Warren.

The defeat left NC State with four losses through seven games and facing the possibility of its second losing season in three years.

The coaching change also carries substantial financial implications.

According to reporting by Rodd Baxley of the Fayetteville Observer, Doeren is owed approximately $9.75 million for the three years remaining on his contract if dismissed without cause.

That obligation comes as NC State prepares to enter a competitive coaching market while continuing to navigate the financial demands of modern college football.

The university's decision also reflects the expectations surrounding a program that has enjoyed sustained success without capturing the ACC championship its supporters have sought.

Doeren's 98 victories represent a significant achievement in NC State history. His teams reached bowl games regularly, produced four nine-win seasons and established a level of consistency that few previous Wolfpack coaches matched.

But the absence of a 10-win campaign or conference title remained a defining limitation.

Now, the responsibility for taking that next step will fall to a new head coach.

Goebbel inherits a team that still has five regular-season games remaining and an opportunity to recover from its disappointing start.

For NC State, the coaching search represents a major decision about the program's future.

The Wolfpack must find a coach capable of preserving the foundation Doeren established while delivering the championship-level results that remained beyond his reach.

After 14 seasons of stability, NC State is preparing for a new direction.