NC State is on the road at Durham, NC this week for their second ACC matchup against the Blue Devils. Here are several names to watch ahead of the highly anticipated matchup this week.
NAMES TO WATCH: Duke
#10 QB Darian Mensah - 6’3 205 - Redshirt Sophomore
Tulane transfer QB Darian Mensah leads the way for the Blue Devils offense. He was a big-time addition for them in the transfer portal this offseason and so far has played as advertised. Even though he struggled in their big loss to Illinois, Mensah has a good arm and can make any throw on the field.
#18 WR Cooper Barkate - 6’1 195 - Graduate
Barkate, a transfer receiver from Harvard, had 1,084 yard receiving yards in 2024 averaging 17.2 yards per catch in addition to his 11 receiving touchdowns. He now has 272 yards this season averaging 19.4 yards per catch. Even though Barkate won’t be the fastest receiver NC State will play this season, he’ll be one of the more technically sound ones that they will play. The former FCS All-American will be a tough matchup for NC State’s secondary.
#53 OT Brian Parker II - 6’5 305 - Redshirt Junior
Brian Parker II is a legitimate NFL draft prospect currently being projected in the 3-4th round range per PFF. He’s had a solid first two games only allowing three QB hurries on 84 pass block snaps according to PFF. His grade went down from a 90.8 vs Elon to a 65.2 grade vs Illinois. If NC State’s front seven keeps playing like they did in the second half of the Wake game, they can make things uncomfortable for Parker.
#7 EDGE Vincent Anthony Jr. - 6’6 260 - Senior
Vincent Anthony Jr. is going to be a problem for the Wolfpack on the defensive line this weekend. He’s on pace for a career best season with five sacks, six tfls, and 12 total tackles already. Even in their loss to Illinois, Anthony Jr. was able to get three sacks and three tfls against a top 10 team. Anthony Jr. is on pace to making first team All-ACC and potentially being a lock for a day 2 draft pick.
#0 CB Chandler Rivers - 5’10 185 - Senior
Chandler Rivers is one of the best cornerbacks in the country. A projected 2nd round pick on PFF’s 2026 NFL draft big board, Rivers also had a 89.9 coverage grade per PFF, ranking 2nd in the country. Last year against NC State he had seven total tackles but no interceptions or pass break ups. It’ll be interesting to see who lines up against him and if Duke chooses to move him around or keep him locked onto one receiver.
Honorable Mentions
- #9 Rs. Sr. HB Jaquez Moore (5’10 205 lbs), 24 carries, 115 rush yards, and 1 touchdown.
- #20 Fr. HB Nate Sheppard (5’10 195 lbs), 15 carries and 127 rush yards.
- #8 Rs. So. SS DaShawn Stone (6’3 195 lbs), 20 total tackles (leads team).
- #3 Gr. FS Caleb Weaver (5’10, 190 lbs), a Sam Houston State transfer, 19 total tackles, 1 pass deflection, and 0.5 tackles for loss.
