NC State Set to Face Memphis in Gasparilla Bowl, Riding Momentum and Milestones
TAMPA, Fla. - NC State is heading back to the postseason, and they’re doing it with a full head of steam. The Wolfpack will take the field Friday, Dec. 19 at Raymond James Stadium to take on Memphis in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl.
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
This marks NC State’s sixth consecutive bowl appearance - the longest streak under a single head coach in program history - and the 11th bowl trip in the past 12 seasons. That kind of consistency speaks volumes about the foundation Dave Doeren has built in Raleigh. Now in his 13th year at the helm, Doeren has guided the Pack to 10 bowl games, a testament to both his staying power and the program’s sustained relevance in a competitive ACC landscape.
A First-Time Matchup, But Not Unfamiliar Territory
This will be the first-ever meeting between NC State and Memphis, but the Wolfpack has a solid track record against American Athletic Conference opponents, going 7-2 all-time, including a win over East Carolina earlier this season.
And while the opponent is new, the location isn’t. This will be NC State’s third bowl game in the Tampa area and second time playing in what’s now known as the Gasparilla Bowl.
The last time the Pack played in this bowl? That was back in 2014 - Doeren’s first bowl game with NC State - when they knocked off UCF in the Bitcoin St.
Pete Bowl. Tampa’s been good to the Pack before, and they’ll be looking to recreate that magic again.
Tough Schedule, Strong Résumé
Make no mistake - NC State didn’t get here by coasting. Memphis will be the ninth opponent this season with at least eight wins on its résumé, the most in the nation.
That’s a gauntlet by any standard. The Pack faced three teams that hit double-digit wins and came away with four victories against teams with eight or more, including East Carolina, Virginia, Wake Forest, and Georgia Tech.
Eight of NC State’s regular-season opponents are bowl-bound, and four were ranked in the final AP Top 25. That’s the kind of schedule that tests your depth, your resolve, and your ability to adapt. And the Wolfpack did more than just survive - they earned their spot in Tampa.
Caden Fordham: From Recovery to All-American
A year ago, linebacker Caden Fordham was watching from the sidelines, rehabbing a reconstructed knee. Fast forward to now, and he’s not only back - he’s dominating.
Fordham led the ACC in tackles and paced all Power 4 defenders in that category. His 10.8 tackles per game rank fifth nationally, and his efforts earned him All-American honors from both The Sporting News and the Associated Press.
Fordham’s journey from injury to elite production is the kind of comeback story that resonates beyond the stat sheet. He’s been the heart of the Wolfpack defense, and his presence will be key against a Memphis offense that can move the ball.
Hollywood Smothers and the Ground Game
On the other side of the ball, running back Hollywood Smothers has been a force. He led the ACC in rushing yards per game (85.4), becoming the first NC State player to lead the conference in rushing since 1997. That’s a long drought to break, and Smothers did it with a mix of power, vision, and big-play ability.
He wasn’t alone in making noise this season. Tight end Justin Joly led all ACC tight ends in receptions, averaging 4.3 per game. While tight end stats don’t always get the spotlight, Joly’s production was impossible to ignore - and he, like Fordham and Smothers, earned first-team All-ACC honors from both the league and the AP.
Depth in the Receiving Corps
One of the more under-the-radar strengths of this NC State squad? The depth at receiver.
Seven different players recorded at least 20 catches this season - the second-most in the Power 4, behind only Ole Miss. That kind of distribution speaks to the versatility of the offense and the trust between quarterback and his targets.
Joly led the way with 47 receptions, but he was joined by a balanced group that included Terrell Anderson (38), Noah Rogers (31), Keenan Jackson (27), Teddy Hoffman (24), Wesley Grimes (26), and even Smothers himself, who added 37 catches out of the backfield. All seven found the end zone at least once. You’d have to go back to 2010 to find the last time NC State had this kind of production across the board.
Red Zone Efficiency: Quietly Elite
One of the most telling stats about this Wolfpack offense? Their efficiency when it matters most.
NC State ranks second in the ACC and 10th nationally in red zone scoring percentage, converting on 92.7% of their trips. Even more impressive, they’ve scored touchdowns on over 80% of those opportunities - the best rate in the FBS.
While they didn’t always get into the red zone consistently - especially in tough outings against Notre Dame, Pitt, and Miami - they’ve been nearly automatic when they do. In their last two games, they went 8-for-9 inside the 20. That kind of execution is what wins bowl games.
What’s at Stake
For NC State, this bowl game is more than just a postseason appearance - it’s a chance to cap off a season defined by resilience, growth, and balance on both sides of the ball. From Fordham’s comeback and dominance, to Smothers’ breakout, to a receiving corps that goes seven deep, the Wolfpack have built a team that can compete with anyone.
Memphis presents a challenge, no doubt. But NC State has been tested all year - and they’ve proven they can hang with the best. Friday’s Gasparilla Bowl is the final chapter of the 2025 season, and the Pack has a chance to finish it with a statement.