NC State Linebacker and Edge Preview: Who’s Gone, Who’s Back, and Who’s Next in Line
Spring ball is right around the corner in Raleigh, and with NC State already a month into classes, the Wolfpack are turning the page from a solid 8-5 campaign that ended with a dominant 31-7 bowl win over Memphis. Now, the focus shifts to 2026-and if this program wants to take another step forward, the linebacker and Edge units will need to be sharper, deeper, and more disruptive than they were a year ago.
Let’s dig into where things stand at these two critical defensive positions-what went right, what went wrong, and what’s on the horizon.
2025 Recap: A Mixed Bag of Grit, Injuries, and Missed Opportunities
Let’s start with the linebackers. The group had a rocky start to the 2025 season, and while they found their footing late, the early inconsistency was hard to ignore.
Caden Fordham was the heart of the unit-and really, the entire defense. Coming off major knee surgery less than a year prior, Fordham wasn’t fully back to himself early in the year.
But credit where it’s due: he battled through it and finished the season playing like one of the best linebackers in the country. His numbers back that up-143 tackles (ACC leader, fourth nationally), 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, plus an interception, forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
He was the top tackler among all Power Four players and added value in coverage and pressure situations.
But Fordham wasn’t the only storyline. Sean Brown, who had made the transition from safety to Will linebacker ahead of the season, saw his year cut short by injury just five games in.
Even before that, the adjustment looked like a tough ask. Brown never quite settled in, and his 58.4 season grade (per PFF) reflected the challenge of learning a new position on the fly-especially one that demands more physicality than safety, and for a player who was already a bit undersized for the role.
Depth took another hit with injuries to AJ Richardson and Kelvon McBride, both expected to be key rotational pieces. Their absence forced Kenny Soares Jr. into a larger role.
On paper, his 80 tackles looked solid. But the tape-and the advanced metrics-told a different story.
Soares Jr. missed over 15% of his tackle attempts, including 13 whiffs in just seven starts. His season grade (58.2) ranked 27th among NC State defenders.
On the Edge, it was more of the same: flashes of promise, but not nearly enough production. Sabastian Harsh and Cian Slone graded out as the second- and third-best defenders on the team, respectively.
But the duo combined for just four sacks. For comparison, Tra Thomas-who played nearly 300 fewer snaps-matched that number on his own.
That’s a problem. As a team, NC State finished with just 20 sacks on the year, ranking 109th in the FBS.
That’s not going to cut it, especially in a conference where pressuring the quarterback is a must.
Defensively, the numbers paint a clear picture: 12th in the ACC in scoring defense, 14th in total defense, 11th against the run, 14th against the pass, 14th in sacks, and dead last on third down. The issues weren’t confined to one position group, but linebacker and Edge were right in the thick of it.
2026 Outlook: A New Cast, Fresh Competition, and High Hopes
The Wolfpack are entering spring with a lot of new faces-and a lot of questions. Most of last year’s production at linebacker and Edge is gone.
But there’s also a sense that the coaching staff will lean into more positional flexibility this year. Don’t be surprised if players cross-train at multiple linebacker spots-Mike, Will, and Sam won’t be completely interchangeable, but versatility will be key.
AJ Richardson, who logged 88 snaps at Mike last season, returns as the most experienced player in the room. Behind him, LaCorian Hodge (41 snaps) and Zane Williams (44 snaps) are also back. Hodge, in particular, is a name to watch-he could slide over to Will depending on how things shake out in camp.
Bailey Benson, who redshirted last year, is expected to compete at Will, though his biggest impact may come on special teams early on.
At Sam, sophomore Ke’Von Carter is a name generating some buzz. He was listed as the backup in the bowl game and played 73 snaps as a true freshman, registering seven tackles.
There’s optimism about his upside, and he could carve out a meaningful role this fall. It's also possible that Richardson or Hodge get a look at Sam, depending on how the depth chart evolves.
Help on the Way: Transfers and Freshmen Looking to Make an Impact
NC State brought in reinforcements-both from the high school ranks and the transfer portal.
Among the true freshmen, Zykir Moore stands out as the most likely to see the field early. He’s got long-term star potential and could push for snaps in 2026. The other linebacker signees-Jordan Moreta and Caleb Gordon-along with Edge prospects Lawrence Brown Jr. and Elijah Satchell, are more likely to redshirt and develop.
But the biggest additions came via the portal.
Raul Aguirre Jr., a transfer from Miami, is expected to step in as the starting Mike linebacker. He was the Hurricanes’ third linebacker last season and brings experience and production-70 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown over the last two years. With one year of eligibility left, Aguirre Jr. is a plug-and-play option who can help stabilize the middle of the defense.
Another key portal pickup is Dakaari Nelson, who transferred in from Penn State. Originally a four-star safety recruit, Nelson transitioned to linebacker in 2024 and played in every game over the last two seasons-mostly on special teams. He totaled five tackles each year, but his athleticism and versatility make him a strong candidate to start at Will.
And then there’s Harvey Dyson, the former Tulane Edge who could be one of the most impactful additions to the entire roster. A 6-foot-3, 250-pound pass rusher, Dyson earned Third Team All-AAC honors in 2025 after racking up 36 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and a conference-best eight sacks.
He also forced two fumbles and notched a sack and forced fumble in the College Football Playoff against Ole Miss. Dyson brings the kind of edge pressure NC State sorely lacked last year, and he’s expected to start at Jack.
Bottom Line: New Faces, New Roles, and a Chance to Reset
If NC State wants to improve on last year’s defensive rankings-and make a serious push in the ACC-the linebacker and Edge units have to be more consistent, more disruptive, and better at finishing plays. The returners bring experience, the transfers bring immediate help, and the freshmen bring long-term promise.
There’s still work to be done, but there’s also a clear path forward. Spring ball will be the first real look at how all these pieces fit together. And if the new additions can deliver, this group has a chance to flip the script in 2026.