NC State is reloading on offense for 2026, and the transfer portal is playing a central role in that rebuild. With several key pieces departing - including tight end Justin Joly to the NFL and offensive contributors Jacarrius Peak, Terrell Anderson, and Hollywood Smothers heading elsewhere - the Wolfpack is turning to some intriguing new faces to fill the void.
Let’s break down four offensive additions who could have a major impact in Raleigh this fall.
Jimarion McCrimon, Offensive Tackle
NC State fans might already be familiar with Jimarion McCrimon - and not in a good way. The 6-foot-5, 307-pound left tackle was a standout for ECU last season and played a key role in the Pirates' 326-yard rushing performance against the Wolfpack in the 2024 Military Bowl. Now, he’s switching sidelines and bringing that same edge to NC State’s offensive line.
McCrimon is a big, physical presence who thrives in the run game and has the experience to anchor a Power 4 offensive line. He earned First Team All-AAC honors last season and allowed just three sacks and 17 pressures, showing he can hold his own in pass protection as well. His size and strength make him a natural fit at left tackle, where he’ll be tasked with protecting sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey’s blindside.
The challenge for McCrimon at this level? Adjusting to the speed of the edge rushers he’ll face week in and week out. If he can continue to refine his footwork and stay ahead of those quicker pass rushers, he could be one of the most important additions to this offense.
Daniel Cruz, Offensive Guard
From Texas to Raleigh, Daniel Cruz brings a different kind of potential. While he didn’t see much action with the Longhorns, Cruz arrives with a strong pedigree and the kind of physical tools that make offensive line coaches take notice.
Cruz was a four-star recruit out of high school, an Under Armour All-American, and the 2023 Outstanding Lineman of the Year in his district. He played center at the high school level but projects as a guard for the Wolfpack - a position that should allow him to showcase his blend of agility and power.
There’s a learning curve ahead, no doubt. But Cruz has the frame, the athleticism, and the upside to grow into a key interior piece for NC State’s offensive front. If he can adjust quickly to the speed and physicality of the Power 4 game, he could prove to be one of the more underrated pickups of the offseason.
Victor Snow, Wide Receiver
Victor Snow is bringing some serious juice to NC State’s receiving corps. The transfer from Buffalo is a versatile weapon who can line up in the slot, take handoffs, and return kicks - and he’s dangerous in all three phases.
Snow totaled over 800 yards last season and found the end zone as a receiver, rusher, and return man. He was a First Team All-MAC selection and now steps into a Wolfpack offense that just lost its top four receivers. That means opportunity - and Snow is more than capable of taking advantage.
He’s a quick-twitch athlete who can turn a short gain into a big play in the blink of an eye. For a young quarterback like Bailey, having a reliable, explosive option like Snow in the slot could be a game-changer. Expect him to be a go-to target early and often - and a home run threat every time he touches the ball.
Chance Robinson, Wide Receiver
If Snow is the speed, Chance Robinson is the size and physicality. The former Miami Hurricane didn’t see much playing time in Coral Gables, largely due to injuries, but there’s a lot to like about what he brings to the table.
At 6-foot-2, Robinson has the frame to win contested catches and the athleticism to stretch the field. He was a four-star recruit coming out of high school and made a name for himself as a deep threat. Perhaps more importantly, he already has chemistry with CJ Bailey - the two were teammates on the South Florida Express 7-on-7 squad.
Robinson is a bit of a wild card due to his injury history, but the upside is real. If he stays healthy, he could be the kind of outside receiver who balances out the offense and gives Bailey a dependable target on the perimeter. Think of him as a potential successor to the kind of role Emeka Emezie played in recent years - a physical presence who can move the chains and make the big play when needed.
Final Word
With key departures across the offense, NC State didn’t just need talent - it needed experience, versatility, and upside. These four transfers bring all of that and more. McCrimon and Cruz could solidify the trenches, while Snow and Robinson give Bailey the weapons he needs to take the next step.
The Wolfpack offense is going to look different in 2026. And if these new faces click early, it might just be better.