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

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.