Athlon Sports’ latest ACC preseason forecast has NC State slotted ninth in the league heading into 2026, but the publication still sees a path for Dave Doeren’s team to beat that number.
The Wolfpack’s case starts with quarterback CJ Bailey. Athlon points to the junior as a major reason for optimism after his 2025 breakout, when he threw for 3,105 yards and 25 touchdowns. That production helped Bailey land among the ACC’s top signal-callers in the magazine’s eyes, and his return gives NC State a clear anchor on offense.
Still, there’s plenty to sort out around him. Athlon noted that sophomore Jayden Scott is expected to step into the role left by Hollywood Smothers at running back, while only two starters are back on the offensive line. The passing game also has work to do after the Wolfpack lost their top five statistical receivers from last season.
On defense, the message from Athlon is just as direct: NC State has to get better. The Wolfpack gave up too many explosive plays in 2025 and allowed over six yards a snap and 30 points a game. With only two starters returning on that side, the publication said new contributors will have to emerge quickly for the unit to take a step forward in 2026.
Athlon’s projected ACC order has Miami first, followed by SMU, Louisville, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Pitt, Georgia Tech, NC State, Cal, FSU, Wake Forest, Duke, UNC, Syracuse, Boston College and Stanford.
Even with the ninth-place prediction, Athlon thinks the Wolfpack could outplay it thanks to a favorable schedule and the return of Bailey. The publication wrote, “The Wolfpack have won at least eight games in five out of the last six seasons.
And with a favorable schedule on tap this fall, coach Dave Doeren’s team has an excellent chance to extend that streak or make a dark horse run at the ACC Championship Game. The return of quarterback CJ Bailey certainly aids that quest, as the junior is among the ACC’s top signal-callers after throwing for 3,105 yards and 25 touchdowns in ‘25.
His supporting cast is under renovation with sophomore Jayden Scott expected to fill the void left behind by Hollywood Smothers in the backfield, and just two starters return up front. The top five statistical wide receivers from last season also must be replaced.
Doeren also hopes another offseason can help coordinator DJ Eliot find the right answers on defense. The Wolfpack allowed too many big plays and surrendered over six yards a snap and 30 points a game last year.
Just two starters are back, so new faces need to quickly emerge for this group to improve in ‘26.”
Six NC State players also earned spots on Athlon’s preseason All-ACC teams: RB Duke Scott, QB CJ Bailey, IOL Spike Sowells, LB Harvey Dyson, OT Teague Andersen and CB Brian Nelson II.
Athlon also placed Doeren eighth among ACC coaches, praising the steadiness of his run in Raleigh. The publication said, “Consistent success is the best way to sum up Doeren’s tenure in Raleigh.
Since taking over in 2013, the Wolfpack are 95-70 under his watch. NC State has only two losing records over the last 12 years and has qualified for 11 bowl games since ‘14.
Doeren has yet to guide NC State to double-digit victories in a season or a trip to the ACC title game. However, winning at least eight games in seven out of the last eight years is a solid resume entering ‘26.”
Athlon also noted that NC State has reached 11 bowl games since 2014 and has won at least eight games in seven of the last eight full seasons.