NC State Wolfpack 2026 Preview
NC State are 0-1 in 2026. They went 8-5 (4-4 in the ACC). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
What changed for NC State in 2026
- CJ Bailey returns at QB after a sophomore season of 3,105 yards, 25 TDs, and 9 INTs, as well as 215 rushing yards and 6 rushing TDs
- Starting RB from last season is gone, so backup RB Jayden Scott is expected to start (595 yards, 4 TDs)
- Top five players in terms of receiving yards from last season are gone, with the top returner being Keenan Jackson Jr (281 yards, 2 TDs). Buffalo transfer Victor Snow is expected to start at WR (815 yards, 8 TDs)
- Two starting offensive lineman return, and two transfers are expected to start
- 2025 PPG/YPG: 28.1 ppg (50 out of 136), 374.3 ypg (72 out of 136)
- Returning three starters on defense with the top returner being DB Assaad Brown Jr. (64 tackles). Five transfers are expected to start including Tulane transfer LB Harvey Dyson (8 sacks, 2 FF)
All 136 teams. Free every year via Kyle Kommes.
Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
NC State Wolfpack 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia | Neutral | L 8-34 |
| 2 | Richmond | Home | — |
| 3 | Vanderbilt | Away | — |
| 4 | Appalachian State | Home | — |
| 5 | Louisville | Home | — |
| 6 | Wake Forest | Home | — |
| 7 | Stanford | Away | — |
| 8 | California | Home | — |
| 9 | Duke | Home | — |
| 10 | Syracuse | Home | — |
| 11 | Florida State | Away | — |
| 12 | North Carolina | Away | — |
Get the printable NC State Wolfpack 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
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NC State Wolfpack betting FAQ
NC State Wolfpack play 12 games in 2026, 7 at home. They open against Virginia. The full schedule is listed on this page.
NC State is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.
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