NC State closed out the regular season in emphatic fashion, rolling past in-state rival North Carolina 42-19 in a performance that was as dominant on the field as it was on the stat sheet. The Wolfpack offense, which has seen its share of ups and downs this season, put together one of its most complete outings of the year-and the latest PFF grades reflect just how impactful several key players were in the Week 13 win.
Let’s break down the offensive standouts, the trends that are starting to take shape, and what these grades tell us about where this unit is heading.
Will Wilson Arrives
It’s been a season of growth for true freshman quarterback Will Wilson, but Saturday night marked a turning point. Wilson posted a 91.0 PFF grade, the highest on the team-not just this week, but for the first time all season. Against a Tar Heel defense that’s had its moments, Wilson looked poised beyond his years, delivering accurate throws, managing the pocket with confidence, and showing off his dual-threat ability when needed.
This wasn’t just a solid outing-it was a breakout. Wilson’s performance against UNC gives NC State fans a real reason to be excited about the future under center. If this is the version of Wilson we’re going to see moving forward, the Wolfpack may have found their quarterback of the future.
CJ Bailey Keeps Delivering
While Wilson stole the spotlight this week, CJ Bailey quietly continued his strong campaign. The sophomore quarterback notched an 83.4 grade, marking his fourth game this season with a score north of 80. Bailey’s ability to step in and maintain offensive rhythm has been a key part of NC State’s depth at the position-and it’s becoming clear that the Wolfpack have more than one capable signal-caller.
Wesley Grimes Bounces Back
Senior wide receiver Wesley Grimes turned in his best performance since Week 1, earning a 72.3 grade. Grimes has been steady all year, but this game was a reminder of what he can do when he’s fully involved in the game plan. His route running was sharp, and he made the most of his targets, helping stretch the field and open up lanes underneath.
Tight End Trio: Quiet Consistency
NC State’s tight ends have been a steady presence all season, and that continued against UNC. Dante Daniels (71.0), Justin Joly (65.6), and Cody Hardy (59.3) all contributed in different ways-whether it was blocking, short-yardage routes, or red zone looks. Daniels, in particular, has been a reliable target, and his grade this week reflects his continued impact, especially in key moments.
In the Trenches: Mixed Bag for the Line
The offensive line’s performance was a bit of a mixed story. Teague Andersen led the group with a 69.6 grade at right tackle, showing solid protection on the edge.
But as you move inside, the grades start to dip-Jalen Grant (61.6), Rico Jackson (62.2), and **Anthony Carter Jr. ** (53.4) struggled to consistently win at the point of attack.
The interior line has been a concern at times this year, and that inconsistency shows up again here.
Running Back Rotation: Depth, But Not Dominance
Duke Scott, the redshirt freshman, continues to lead the backfield and posted a 66.9 grade this week. While not a standout performance, it was enough to keep the chains moving.
Hollywood Smothers (62.2) and Darius Johnson (62.5) also saw action, but neither was able to break off big plays or significantly tilt the field. Still, the depth at running back has been a quiet strength all season-and Scott’s emergence as a top contributor (he leads the team with a 79.6 season grade) is a big part of that.
Receivers Trending in Opposite Directions
Terrell Anderson (66.5) continues to be a steady presence in the passing game and is among the team’s top-graded players on the season (74.4 through Week 14). His ability to win matchups on the outside has helped stretch defenses and create space underneath.
On the other hand, Keenan Jackson is trending in the wrong direction. His 49.1 grade this week marks his sixth straight game under 60, and his season grade sits at 54.1, among the lowest on the offense. It’s been a tough stretch for the sophomore, who hasn’t been able to find a rhythm or build chemistry with the quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, Teddy Hoffmann continues to quietly stack solid performances. The freshman wideout posted a 60.2 grade, making it six straight games at 60 or higher. He’s not lighting up the stat sheet, but he’s doing the little things right-and that matters.
Season Snapshot: Top and Bottom Performers
With Week 14 in the books, here’s how the offensive grades stack up for players who’ve logged at least 20% of the snaps:
Top 5: 1.
Duke Scott (RB) - 79.6
2.
Cody Hardy (TE) - 77.5
3.
Hollywood Smothers (RB) - 77.3
4.
Justin Joly (TE) - 76.1
5.
Terrell Anderson (WR) - 74.4
Bottom 5: 1.
Anthony Carter Jr. (LG) - 51.9
- Keenan Jackson (WR) - 54.1
- Kamen Smith (LG) - 56.8
- Rico Jackson (RG) - 59.8
- Jalen Grant (C) - 62.1
It’s no surprise to see Scott and the tight ends leading the way-they’ve been the most consistent pieces in this offense. But the struggles on the interior line and the dip in production from certain receivers are worth watching as the team heads into the postseason.
Final Word
Saturday night’s win over UNC wasn’t just a rivalry game-it was a statement. With a true freshman quarterback grading out as the team’s best performer, a deep tight end room continuing to shine, and a young backfield leading the way, NC State’s offense is rounding into form at just the right time.
There’s still work to do, especially up front, but the pieces are there. And if this group can build on the momentum from Week 13, they could be a tough out for anyone they face next.