The 2025 NC State football season is right around the corner, and we’re breaking down what has us most and least confident heading into fall camp.

NOTE: Click the video above to watch the feature!

 Key Topics Covered:

Most Confident: NC State’s Tight End Room

Justin Joly: Arguably the best TE in the ACC, a mismatch nightmare and future NFL talent.

Cody Hardy: Massive 6'5" weapon who brings blocking and underrated receiving skills.

Dante Daniels: Emerging red-zone threat with size (6'6", 270) and athleticism.

Skill Position Strength

Hollywood Smothers ready to be the guy at RB.

WR depth improved by subtraction — watch out for Terrell Anderson, Kenan Jackson, Wesley Grimes.

Offense now built around maximizing a smaller rotation of true playmakers.

🔥 Big Opportunity for CJ Bailey.  With weapons everywhere, all eyes are on the sophomore QB to make "the leap."

Confidence in OL core — but questions still linger on the right side and interior protection.

Least Confident

OL & Secondary Right Guard/Center still unsettled — will it be Val Erickson or Kamen Smith? Secondary playmakers are unproven — names like Devin Marshall, Brian Nelson, JJ Johnson, and Jackson Vick must step up.

Defensive Potential: Built with Portal Experience.   Defense full of seasoned players and productive Group of 5/transfer adds: AJ Richardson, Keon Sloan, Jamel Johnson, Trey Thomas.  Veteran leaders like Caden Fordham, Sean Brown, Travali Price

Depth & Experience Matter.  Roster loaded with 4th and 5th-year players — physical maturity gives State a real edge. Whether you're looking for NC State 2025 football analysis, breakout player predictions, or insight into CJ Bailey’s development, this video has everything a Wolfpack fan needs to know heading into the season.