NC State Lands Key Defensive Piece in Transfer Linebacker Raul Aguirre Jr.
NC State isn’t waiting around to rebuild its defense - it’s reloading. The Wolfpack made a significant late splash in the transfer portal, securing junior linebacker Raul Aguirre Jr. from Miami. And make no mistake: this is a big-time pickup for a defense that’s looking to stay aggressive and physical in the heart of the ACC.
Aguirre comes to Raleigh with 16 games of experience under his belt from last season alone, and he didn’t just log snaps - he made them count. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker racked up 43 total tackles, including 22 solo stops, for a Hurricanes defense that was among the most physical in the conference.
But what really jumps off the page is his 86.6 run defense grade - third-best on a very stout Miami unit. That number isn’t just good, it’s a sign of a player who understands leverage, reads gaps quickly, and finishes plays.
Coming out of high school, Aguirre was a four-star recruit with offers from across the country. He brought that pedigree to Miami and turned it into production, particularly against the run, where his instincts and physicality consistently showed up on tape. He’s not just a thumper - he’s a smart, downhill linebacker who diagnoses plays quickly and doesn’t waste steps.
For NC State, this move comes at a crucial time. With the departure of Caden Fordham, the Wolfpack had a hole in the middle of their defense - both in terms of leadership and playmaking.
Aguirre looks like a natural fit to slide into that inside linebacker role. He brings ACC experience, toughness, and a motor that doesn’t quit - all traits that fit the mold of what NC State wants in the middle of its defense.
Watching Aguirre’s film, you see a player who plays with controlled aggression. He’s not just flying to the ball - he’s arriving with purpose.
Whether it’s slipping past a pulling guard, blowing up a lead blocker, or tracking down a runner in space, Aguirre shows the kind of versatility that makes him a valuable three-down linebacker. He’s comfortable in traffic, sheds blocks with strong hands, and takes smart angles to the ball.
And while run defense is his bread and butter, he’s shown flashes in coverage that suggest he can hold his own when asked to drop back.
This is the kind of addition that doesn’t just fill a roster spot - it elevates the ceiling of a defense. Aguirre brings proven production, a high football IQ, and a physical edge that should fit right in with NC State’s defensive identity. Come fall, don’t be surprised if he’s not only starting but making a serious impact in the middle of that Wolfpack front seven.