NC State Football

Don’t Count Out NC State Football This Year – Here’s Why

July 5, 2025
16,458

1. CJ Bailey & Offensive Firepower Give Hope

  • Bailey wasn’t even supposed to play in 2024 but made 10 starts and threw for 22 TDs as a true freshman.
  • Now he enters 2025 as QB1 with a full offseason as “the guy.”
  • Skill talent around him is strong:
  • Justin Joly (TE): preseason All-ACC, potential All-American
  • Hollywood Smothers (RB): explosive, underrated, expected to take the leap
  • Noah Rogers (WR): potential WR1 with big-play ability
  • Supporting WRs: Wesley Grimes, Terrell Anderson, Keenan Jackson — all capable contributors
  • Offense could finally become the side of the ball that carries this team.

2. Defense Has More Talent Than You Think

  • National previews didn’t give much love, but some key players are earning preseason All-ACC buzz:
  • Sean Brown (LB): All-ACC caliber, breakout potential in Year 2 at position
  • Brandon Cleveland (DL): 2-year starter, stayed through portal era
  • Key Transfer Additions:
  • Cian Slone and Tra Thomas (EDGE): pass rush upgrades
  • Jamel Johnson (Temple), JJ Johnson (Georgia State), and Brian Nelson II (North Texas): experienced DBs with All-Conference honors at prior stops
  • Scheme continuity and proven depth mean this unit could outperform expectations.

3. The Schedule Sets Up for Momentum

  • First 6 Games All In-State: 4 home games + 2 road games at Duke and Wake — no plane rides until mid-October
  • No Clemson, Louisville, or SMU on the schedule
  • Final 4 Games = Opportunity:
  • GT (home)
  • Miami (road)
  • Florida State (home)
  • UNC (home)
  • If State can enter November with something to play for, they’ll have the home-field edge when it counts most.

Bottom Line:

  • 2024 was a setback, but history shows Dave Doeren teams bounce back.
  • CJ Bailey’s development, improved offensive weapons, sneaky-good defensive pieces, and a favorable schedule all line up for NC State to outperform expectations in 2025.
  • Don’t sleep on the Pack.
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