CHARLOTTE – Dave Doeren walked into ACC Kickoff loose, joking about “four score and 14 years ago” when he got hired, but the message underneath was unmistakable. He’s entering Year 14 at NC State, and he’s tired of talking about consistency. He wants a breakthrough.
“We’ve won the second-most number of games in the ACC in the last six years,” Doeren said. “With that being said, I’m sick of being second.”
That line wasn’t for effect. It was the thesis of NC State’s 2026 season, a veteran quarterback, a rising star at running back, a defense that expects to look like NC State again, and a roster that believes it’s capable of more than just another solid year.
A Third-Year Starter in a Transfer Era
In a league where quarterbacks move almost annually, NC State has something rare: stability. “We’re one of two schools in the ACC that can say they have a third-year starter at quarterback,” Doeren said.
CJ Bailey didn’t hide from how far he’s come. He admitted he was “winging it” early in his career, relying on athleticism more than understanding. Now, he says the game has slowed down. “Everything is moving fluent,” Bailey said. “Everybody believes in me.”
Bailey’s decision to stay, when most quarterbacks in his position at least explore the portal, says a lot about the program’s culture. “NC State is a different place,” he said. “It’s home for me.” That continuity gives the Wolfpack a steadying force heading into a schedule that ramps up quickly.
Duke Scott Steps Into the No. 1 Jersey
The No. 1 jersey at NC State isn’t ceremonial. It’s earned, and Doeren didn’t hesitate giving it to running back Duke Scott. “It really wasn’t hard,” Doeren said. “He’s gifted as an athlete, he’s a leader, he treats people with respect.”
Scott’s physical numbers, a 405-pound power clean, 575-pound squat, and 4.35 speed, are the kind of measurables that get attention. But his breakout came last season when he stepped in for Hollywood Smothers and ran for 200 yards against unbeaten Georgia Tech. “It made me understand I can do this against everybody,” Scott said.
Scott’s childhood chemistry with fellow South Florida additions gives NC State’s offense a built-in familiarity that’s rare for a team with 50 new players.
Defense: From Patchwork to Identity
Last season’s defensive issues were obvious. NC State changed schemes, dealt with the emotional strain of Tony Gibson’s family tragedy, and lost nine defensive starters to injury. At one point, four freshmen were playing in the Pitt game. “Last year we went into a lot of games thinking we’re going to have to outscore people,” Doeren said. “That’s not normal for us.”
The offseason focus has been pass-rush – getting quarterbacks off their spot, forcing quicker throws, and creating turnovers. “We’ve added some pieces we’re excited to see,” Doeren said, pointing to Harvey Dyson and a deeper secondary.
Veteran defensive lineman Isaiah Shirley echoed the confidence. “We want to get back to playing our brand of hard, tough, together defense,” Shirley said. “We want to be the backbone of the team.” Shirley, now stepping into a larger role, said he’s ready for the responsibility. “I’ve been around this program long enough to see what’s been good and what’s been bad,” he said. “Now it’s time to step up and lead.”
Schedule breakdown
NC State’s 2026 schedule comes in three distinct phases: an early stretch where the Pack can build confidence, a middle run that will define their ACC position, and a November finish that will decide how good this team really is.
Aug. 29 – Virginia (Away)
Sep. 11 – Richmond (Home)
Sep. 19 – Vanderbilt (Away)
Sep. 26 – App State (Home)
Relocated from a neutral site in Brazil, a road game in Virginia is a legitimate Week Zero test and a chance for NC State to see where its rebuilt defense stands right away.. Richmond is the home opener on a Friday night. Vanderbilt is a tricky SEC road trip. App State is the kind of in-state game NC State can’t afford to take lightly. There’s a path to 3–1 or better here, and the Pack probably need it.
Oct. 3 – Louisville (Home)
Oct. 10 – Wake Forest (Home)
Oct. 23 – Stanford (Away, Friday 10:30 PM)
Oct. 31 – Cal (Home)
Louisville and Wake at home are classic swing games for ACC standing. Louisville is a legitimate ACC contender, and Wake Forest has played NC State tight for years. The late-night trip to Stanford is the schedule’s odd wrinkle, a Friday night game on the West Coast. Late kickoff, long travel, and awkward timing make it a classic trap spot. Cal at home closes a stretch where NC State has to prove it can handle different styles and still look like itself.
Nov. 7 – Duke (Home)
Nov. 14 – Syracuse (Home)
Nov. 21 – Florida State (Away)
Nov. 28 – North Carolina (Away)
Duke and Syracuse at home are games a contender has to win. Then it’s Florida State in Tallahassee and North Carolina in Chapel Hill – two rivalry games, both on the road, both at the end of the year. If NC State is still in the ACC race by mid-November, those two weeks will decide everything.
Photos courtesy of ACC Digital Services
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