NC State head coach Dave Doeren has announced that redshirt sophomore running back Duke Scott will wear the No. 1 jersey in 2026.
Since 2014, that coveted jersey number has been awarded to the Wolfpack player who exhibits elite work ethic and practice and training habits, while also serving as an exemplary leader. Scott is the first offensive player player to earn the honor since 2018.
"Since he first stepped on campus, Duke has been consistent in his work ethic, habits and pursuit of excellence," said Doeren. "He leads by example both on and off the field, and I'm looking forward to watching him continue to grow as a player and as a leader."
A strong, speedy running back who gained 581 yards as a redshirt freshman, Scott has excelled on the field, in the classroom and in the Wolfpack's training program. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry in 2025 and helped lead NC State to a win over No. 8 Georgia Tech as he rushed for 196 yards. He was named the ACC Running Back of the Week and Rookie of the Week for that contest and was the runner-up for AP National Player of the Week.
The business administration major posted a 3.378 GPA for the 2025-26 academic year, earning a spot on the All-ACC Academic Football team. He has also been chosen to represent the Wolfpack at the ACC Football Media Kickoff in July.
At 5'10, 225 lbs., Scott is also one of the Pack's leaders and most consistent performers in the weight room, earning mention on Bruce Feldman's "Freaks" list last season. Scott boasts a 38.5" vertical jump, a 10'2 broad jump, runs a 4.35 40-yard dash, bench presses 350 lbs. And boasts a 405 lb. clean.
Here's a look at the players honored with the No. 1 jersey since 2014:
Year Name, Pos.
2014 Jarvis Byrd, CB
2015 Hakim Jones, SAF
2016 Jaylen Samuels, TE
2017 Jaylen Samuels, TE/H
2018 Stephen Louis, WR
2019 James Smith-Williams, DE
2020 Isaiah Moore, LB
2021 Isaiah Moore, LB
2022 Isaiah Moore, LB
2023 Davin Vann, DE
2024 Davin Vann, DE
2025 Caden Fordham, LB
2026 Duke Scott, RB
