Noah Rogers: "When The Time Comes, I'll Be Ready"
When Noah Rogers walks into the Murphy Center, he doesn’t just see a football facility. He sees a familiar place, one that feels more like home than any other stop in his young career.
Rogers was one of the most decorated recruits in North Carolina football history — a five-star wide receiver from Rolesville who drew national attention for his playmaking ability. He had offers from nearly every major program in the country, but the pull of Ohio State’s wide receiver pedigree was hard to turn down. For a year, he trained in a room that produced first-round NFL talent annually, lining up next to players who will soon be household names on Sundays.
But while Columbus sharpened him, Raleigh always called him back.
“It was definitely a blessing,” Rogers said of his time at Ohio State. “How many times do you get to see a generational player [Marvin Harrison] come through and play with you? That’s not often. I was young then, still figuring things out, but I was thankful for that experience. It helped me develop my game and showed me how important competition is — guys pushing you on and off the field to be the best receiver you can be.”
That year hardened him. He left with lessons about discipline, details, and how to prepare like a pro. And now, back at NC State, Rogers looks less like a heralded recruit and more like a maturing receiver who’s learning how to maximize his gifts.
Rogers admits that his biggest growth in college football hasn’t come from game days but from what he’s learned in the quiet moments: film study, practice, and routine.
“One, just building a routine,” he said. “I have a really good routine, and I just keep on adding to it. It’s working on the little things, sharpening my details. Running routes, I just sharpen as much as I can. When I turn that NFL tape on, I look at those receivers and say, ‘There’s something right there I can add to my game.’ It’s just being detailed and critical as much as I can.”
For Rogers, details are everything. He studies players like Justin Jefferson, Jameson Williams, and George Pickens — receivers with smooth, fluid games who maximize their size and skill set. He doesn’t just watch highlights, either. He rewinds, pauses, takes mental notes. Every step matters.
If there’s one figure who’s helped accelerate Rogers’ development in Raleigh, it’s his quarterback. The news that sophomore CJ Bailey was named a team captain resonated with Rogers in a way that was personal.
“Man, when I saw that... it really was like a heartwarming moment,” Rogers said. “I’ve been around him all offseason, and he’s just been pushing me. Him being my quarterback grows my confidence. He’s helped me grow as a person.”
What stands out to Rogers isn’t just Bailey’s arm talent but his leadership.
“His energy, he’s just a tall guy that’s always smiling, always bringing good energy,” Rogers said. “And when we go out on the field, that’s what he wants to see. He told me, ‘I’d rather you drop a pass than not have urgency, not have energy, not get lined up, or not know the plays.’ That’s what makes him a captain. He takes pride in making sure everybody knows what they’re doing. He has to call the commands, and he makes sure the whole team is right there with him.”
That kind of accountability has filtered into Rogers’ own approach. He describes how CJ commands a room — how his voice is louder, more commanding, and how he’s embraced being the face of the offense.
“When he speaks with his chest, you feel it,” Rogers said. “The temperature rises when he walks in the room. That’s what we need as a QB — somebody who isn’t scared or afraid. Even last year, when he was young and made mistakes, he didn’t sulk. He just kept giving energy, kept the team going. He’s grown so much this offseason, and that only makes us better.”
For Rogers, the journey is as much about the team as it is about himself. He raves about the competition in NC State’s wide receiver room — a group he believes is as deep as any in the ACC.
“Keenan Jackson, Terrell Anderson, Tank Boston, Christian Zachary — all those guys are pushing and striving,” he said. “They’ve made tremendous jumps since last season. And I love that. I want somebody behind me pushing me, and I’ll push them too. There’s no doubt in my mind — there’s no better receiver room in the ACC than us.”
And while he laughs at the idea of footraces, Rogers makes it clear he’s confident in his own speed.
“When Paylor was a receiver, I used to tell him and Wesley: run the 100-meter dash, I’m winning,” Rogers said with a grin. “Our room has great speed, it’s smooth, and it shows in our gameplay.”
Coming home was more than just about playing closer to family. It was about finding the right place to grow. Rogers talks about the opportunity ahead not as a burden but as a chance to prove to himself that the work will pay off.
“I don’t look at it as a breakout year or anything like that,” he said. “It’s just about getting better day by day. I’m not really worried about all the talk — I’m just worried about what I can do today for this team. So when the time comes, I’ll be ready.”
Even when asked about uniforms, Rogers’ mix of seriousness and swagger comes through.
“I love them. They’re smooth,” he said with a smile. “I’ve got a couple pairs of cleats I’m ready to rock with them. But I’ll say this — they’ve got to bring back the grey ones for the first game of the season versus South Florida. I know y’all remember those.”
Noah Rogers’ story is still being written. The former five-star talent is no longer just the high school phenom from Rolesville or the freshman learning under NFL stars in Columbus. He’s now a central piece of NC State’s offense, with a routine, a quarterback he trusts, and a receiver room pushing him every day.
For Rogers, it’s not about chasing headlines or proving doubters wrong. It’s about stacking days, sharpening details, and trusting that when the lights come on, he’ll be ready.
“I’m just focused on what I can do today,” he said. “When the time comes, I’ll be ready.”