NC State in the Mix for Elite 2027 LB Jalaythan Mayfield
Lincolnton (N.C.) linebacker Jalaythan Mayfield is one of the more coveted defensive prospects in the 2027 class - and NC State is firmly in the hunt.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound junior recently narrowed his list of top schools to ten, and the Wolfpack made the cut alongside Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Auburn, Miami, Oregon, Kentucky, Indiana, and Georgia. It’s a competitive group, but NC State has done more than enough to earn serious consideration.
Mayfield has been on the Wolfpack’s radar since January, when he picked up an offer from the program. Since then, he’s made multiple visits to Raleigh, including a memorable trip earlier this season when NC State pulled off a statement win over then-No.
8 Georgia Tech. That game - and the atmosphere that came with it - left a lasting impression.
“I enjoyed the visit,” Mayfield said. “It was good for me to get down there for a gameday and just be in that atmosphere.
It was also good for me to be around the coaches more and them to be around me more, so we could get to know each other better. Again, I loved the atmosphere.
It was definitely an electric place to be on a Saturday night.”
But it wasn’t just the win that stood out - it was the moment after the final whistle that really stuck with him.
“My favorite part was probably the ending when the fans stormed the field after the big win over Georgia Tech,” he added. “That was probably the biggest highlight of everything I saw.”
NC State has been building a strong connection with Mayfield, and that effort is being led by assistant linebackers coach Isaiah Moore - a former Wolfpack standout who knows exactly what it takes to succeed in Raleigh. That bond is becoming a key piece of the puzzle.
“That relationship is very good,” Mayfield said. “I reach out to him often.
He’s a great guy and a great coach. He truly cares about NC State and I can tell by the way he talks.
Possibly playing for a coach who truly cares about the well-being of the school and how the program is doing is always good.”
Moore has made it clear that Mayfield would be a priority in the linebacker room, especially with some veteran players set to graduate. That could open the door for an early opportunity to compete - and potentially contribute right away.
“He’s telling me the opportunity is definitely great there,” Mayfield said. “I know they have a couple senior linebackers graduating, so there would definitely be some open spots, and I’d have the opportunity to compete to make an early impact.
“He likes the way I play downhill and aggressive. He said that’s how they’d use me if I went there, too.”
And it’s easy to see why Moore and the NC State staff are high on him. Mayfield’s junior season was nothing short of dominant.
He racked up 125 tackles, including 26 for loss, with six sacks, two pass breakups, six forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. On offense, he added 343 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on just 63 carries - a reminder of his versatility and athleticism.
Ranked as a high three-star prospect, Mayfield checks in as the No. 26 linebacker nationally and the No. 13 overall junior in North Carolina, per 247Sports. His recruitment is still unfolding, but NC State has positioned itself well with a player who brings physicality, instincts, and leadership to the table.
As Mayfield continues to build relationships and evaluate his options, the Wolfpack will look to keep that momentum going. And if his visits are any indication, they’ve already made a strong case.