The recruiting trail is often built on relationships, and sometimes, those relationships are rooted deep in a program’s history. That’s exactly what NC State has going for it in the pursuit of 2027 quarterback prospect Gunner Rivers - the son of Wolfpack legend and future NFL Hall of Famer Philip Rivers.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a feel-good story about a legacy player. Gunner Rivers is a legitimate talent in his own right.
According to Rivals’ Industry Recruiting Rankings, he’s the No. 79 overall player in the nation, the No. 7 quarterback in the 2027 class, and the No. 2 prospect coming out of Alabama. That’s not just pedigree - that’s production.
But the family connection? That’s the icing on the cake for NC State.
Philip Rivers isn’t just a former player at NC State - he’s a cornerstone of the program’s modern identity. From 2000 to 2003, he was the face of Wolfpack football, rewriting the school’s record books and turning heads with his fiery leadership and prolific arm.
His No. 17 jersey was retired before he even played his final home game in Raleigh - a rare honor that speaks volumes about what he meant to the program. So when a player bearing the Rivers name is on the board, the Wolfpack are going to be in the mix.
And right now, they’re more than just in the mix - they’re trending as the favorite. Recruiting insider Steve Wiltfong has logged a prediction for NC State to land Gunner, a move that would bring the Rivers legacy full circle in Raleigh.
But this recruitment isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s also about building the future.
NC State is eyeing life after current quarterback CJ Bailey, and Gunner Rivers could be the answer under center. He’s got the tools - size, arm talent, football IQ - and he’s already getting big-game reps in Alabama, one of the most competitive high school football environments in the country.
There’s also a pipeline forming. NC State already landed one of Rivers’ high school teammates, wide receiver Noah Moss, in the 2026 class.
That kind of connection can go a long way in the recruiting world. Chemistry on the field, familiarity off of it - those things matter, especially when you’re trying to build a foundation for the next era of your program.
If Gunner Rivers does end up in Raleigh, it’ll be more than just a sentimental storyline. It’ll be a strategic win for a program that’s trying to make real noise in the ACC and beyond. And yes, seeing a Rivers back in the red and white, leading the Wolfpack again - that’s the kind of full-circle moment that college football fans live for.
But make no mistake: this isn’t about living in the past. This is about shaping the future. And if Gunner Rivers is the quarterback to do that for NC State, the program might just be on the verge of something special.