As NC State prepares to host California at Carter-Finley Stadium, here are five names to watch ahead of the Wolfpack's matchup with the Golden Bears.
No. 3 QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele - Sophomore - 6-foot-3, 225 pounds
Sagapolutele enters his second season at California after a solid 2025 freshman year.
The Hawaii native started all 13 games for the Golden Bears, passing for 3,454 yards, 18 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He threw for at least 200 yards in every game, making him, at the time, one of the ACC’s most promising young quarterbacks.
Sagapolutele has continued to lead California’s offense this season, completing 68% of his passes for 1,555 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions so far, throwing for a career-high 413 yards and three touchdowns against Wagner earlier this season.
His experience and production give California an offense that can move the ball consistently through the air. Their passing offense averages 285.3 yards per game, ranking 6th in the ACC and 25th nationally.
NC State’s ability to generate pressure and keep Sagapolutele from establishing a rhythm will be key to slowing California’s offense.
No. 24 RB Adam Mohammed - Junior - 6-foot, 220 pounds
Mohammed transferred to California this year after two seasons at Washington, where he became a productive runner for the Huskies’ offense.
The junior running back rushed for 523 yards and five touchdowns on 116 carries last season while adding 17 receptions for 138 yards.
Mohammed also has 73 carries for 336 yards and three touchdowns this season, leading the team in rushing and averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
His versatility gives Sagapolutele a reliable weapon out of the backfield, and at 6-foot, 220 pounds, Mohammed has the size to challenge defenders physically while contributing as both a runner and receiver.
NC State’s ability to maintain sound run fits and limit Mohammed’s production on early downs will be key to preventing California from establishing offensive balance.
Mohammed is listed as questionable on the injury report, so that may affect his usage this weekend; keep an eye on it as we get closer to kickoff.
No. 7 WR Chase Hendricks - Senior - 6-foot, 195 pounds
Hendricks has become California’s leading receiving threat after transferring from Ohio, where he spent his first three college seasons.
The senior receiver caught 71 passes for 1,037 yards and seven touchdowns with the Bobcats last season, earning second-team All-MAC honors. He also recorded six games with at least 100 receiving yards before moving to California last offseason.
Hendricks has continued his production for Sagapolutele and the Golden Bears’ offense, recording 54 receptions for 498 yards and three touchdowns so far this season, leading the team in receiving.
His consistency has made him one of Sagapolutele’s most reliable targets.
For NC State, limiting Hendricks’ opportunities will be vital to stalling California’s ability to create big plays and move the chains, especially with secondary coach Charlton Warren now calling the Wolfpack defense.
No. 9 LB AJ Tuitele - Redshirt freshman - 6-foot-2, 220 pounds
Tuitele has become a key contributor to California’s defense after transferring from USC, where he redshirted his freshman year.
The talented redshirt freshman has had a strong season so far in his first year as a starter, with 44 total tackles, three sacks, and 4.5 tackles for loss.
How NC State’s offensive line handles Tuitele will be worth watching, especially with injuries up front, which is why having a guy like Kamen Smith back this week is huge.
No. 2 S Kingston Lopa - Redshirt sophomore - 6-foot-5, 210 pounds
Lopa started the 2026 season off with an explosive showing of his talent. He has been one of California’s most productive defensive backs after transferring from Oregon. He appeared in 13 games for the Ducks last season, recording 12 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, and a pass breakup before transferring to California.
Lopa has made an immediate impact in the Golden Bears’ secondary, recording 37 tackles, five interceptions, and five passes defended this season. His biggest game so far this season was against Syracuse, when he intercepted three passes and returned one for a touchdown. That performance earned him ACC Defensive Player of the Week honors and national recognition from the Walter Camp Football Foundation and the Bednarik Award.
At 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, Lopa has an unusually large frame for a safety, giving California another physical presence in its secondary. His five interceptions also demonstrate his ability to create turnovers and change the course of a game.
For NC State quarterback CJ Bailey, identifying Lopa’s pre- and post-snap positions will be key to avoiding costly mistakes and turnovers. The Wolfpack will need to be mindful of his ability to make plays; expect them to do their best to avoid throwing his way.
