NC State’s defense is entering a reset, and that puts a spotlight on the players who can help steady the front. One of the most intriguing names is junior defensive end Chase Bond, who lands at No. 14 on Pack Power 247’s list of the Wolfpack’s 20 most important players for 2026.
Bond’s path to Raleigh was a little different from the usual recruiting script. NC State first started tracking him after a strong junior year at Massillon (Ohio) Washington, but the Wolfpack didn’t offer until his official visit in June 2023.
Once that offer came, Bond didn’t wait around. He committed before flying home, picking NC State over several other schools, including Michigan State.
He backed that decision with a huge senior season. Bond piled up 43.5 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, two pass breakups, a blocked punt, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and 20 quarterback hurries while helping Washington finish 16-0 and win a state championship. Michigan State even came back with an offer a week and a half before signing day, but Bond stayed locked in with the Wolfpack.
Bond arrived at NC State in January 2024 and redshirted without seeing game action that first year. Last fall, though, he became a productive reserve on the defensive line.
In 230 snaps, he finished with 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Sebastian Harsh, listed ahead of him on the depth chart, had 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in 658 snaps.
The numbers tell part of the story, but Bond also showed up on Saturdays and kept standing out when the film got reviewed during the week.
That matters now because NC State is turning over a lot on defense. The Wolfpack lost eight defensive starters from its 2025 team, including all three defensive linemen. If State is going to make noise as a surprise ACC contender, it has to be better across the board on defense.
Bond should get a real chance to push for a starting job in fall camp, where Joseph Adedire will be his main competition. Bond is two years younger and, in this view, brings the higher ceiling. If the battle is close, the younger player is the one to bet on.
If the season started today, Bond would be in the starting lineup for NC State. He’s expected to draw plenty of preseason attention in camp, and he looks like one of the key trench players to watch this season.
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