NC State Awaits Bowl Destination After Strong Finish to 2025 Season
RALEIGH, N.C. - After a rollercoaster 2025 campaign filled with injuries, lineup shifts, and more than a few tense Saturdays, NC State has emerged with a 7-5 record (4-4 in ACC play) and a signature win to close out the regular season - a dominant 42-19 victory over rival North Carolina. It wasn’t always pretty, but the Wolfpack found a way to fight through the adversity and earn a postseason berth. Now, the only question left is: where are they headed?
At the season’s midpoint, bowl eligibility wasn’t a lock. The Pack sat on the edge of projections, needing a strong finish to punch their ticket.
That’s exactly what they delivered. Two wins over Top-25 teams and a statement victory in the regular-season finale have them firmly in the bowl conversation.
With Championship Weekend in the books and the final College Football Playoff rankings looming, NC State - like a handful of other ACC teams - is waiting to see how the dust settles.
The ACC bowl picture is still sorting itself out. Programs like Virginia, Miami, and even Duke are in the mix and could shift the pecking order depending on how things shake out in the final rankings. That uncertainty is why projections for NC State’s bowl destination are all over the board.
Let’s break down the most common landing spots being projected for the Wolfpack:
Gasparilla Bowl - Dec. 21, Tampa, Fla.
- ESPN (Mark Schlabach): vs. South Florida
- Athlon Sports: vs. South Florida
This one’s popped up more than once, and it makes a lot of sense geographically and matchup-wise. South Florida would bring a local crowd, and NC State fans travel well - especially to Florida in December. The Bulls are a team on the rise, and this would be a compelling test for the Pack’s defense.
Fenway Bowl - Dec. 27, Boston, Mass.
- ESPN (Kyle Bonagura): vs. South Florida
- College Football News: vs. North Texas
A bowl game at Fenway Park? It’s not your traditional setting, but it’s gained traction in recent years.
South Florida again shows up as a potential opponent, which would mark a unique North-South clash in a historic baseball venue. North Texas would be a less flashy matchup, but still a solid Group of Five opponent.
Military Bowl - Dec. 27, Annapolis, Md.
- Sports Illustrated: vs. Memphis
- Pro Football Network: vs. South Florida
The Pack played in this bowl last year, so a return trip might not generate the same level of excitement - but the matchup could. Memphis brings a dynamic offense that would challenge NC State’s secondary. Another potential pairing with South Florida keeps showing up, and that familiarity in projections is worth keeping an eye on.
Gator Bowl - Dec. 27, Jacksonville, Fla.
- Sporting News: vs. Minnesota
This would be a step up in profile, pitting the Wolfpack against a Big Ten opponent in a high-visibility slot. Minnesota’s physical style would make for a gritty, old-school matchup - the kind of game that’s won in the trenches. If NC State lands here, it would be a sign that the selection committee values their late-season surge.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl - Jan. 2, Charlotte, N.C.
- CBS Sports: vs. UConn
- USA Today: vs. Washington State
This one comes with a little extra juice. A matchup with UConn would reunite NC State with tight end Juice Vereen’s former team - and with Justin Joly having transferred from UConn to NC State, there’s some built-in narrative drama. Washington State would present a more traditional Power Five showdown, and the Charlotte location makes it an easy trip for Wolfpack fans.
What’s Next?
With bowl announcements coming on Sunday, NC State is in a bit of a holding pattern. But the good news?
They’re in. After a season that tested their depth and resolve, the Wolfpack have earned one more game.
Whether it’s in Tampa, Boston, Annapolis, Charlotte or somewhere else entirely, this bowl trip is a chance to send the seniors out on a high note - and to give the younger core one more opportunity to grow under the spotlight.
All that’s left now is to wait for the final word. But one thing’s clear: NC State finished strong, and they’ll be a tough out no matter where they land.