NC State’s receiver room got a major offseason makeover, and Tyran Warren has already carved out a place in the mix.
The Alcorn State transfer arrived in January after a junior season in which he put up 25 catches for 476 yards and four touchdowns. At 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, Warren brought production with him, along with a willingness to absorb everything the Wolfpack have thrown his way since he got to Raleigh.
“It’s been good,” Warren said. “I like the city -- it’s peaceful.
I’ve had a good transition working with Coach Thunder, Coach Doeren, and all my teammates. I’ve worked a lot with C.J.
(Bailey), and I’ve gotten really close with him.
“I’ve tried to take in as much information as I can and get comfortable with the quarterback. That’s big for me as a receiver -- understanding everything.
Also, understanding the coaches, their concepts, and getting into the playbook. Knowing my information is big.”
That comfort level with Bailey matters. Warren sees the quarterback as the steady center of the operation.
“He’s a great leader,” Warren said. “He’s very energetic, and he lifts everybody up. He’s like me in that sense because I’m positive and like to pick guys up.
“I like to stay as close as I can to him. He’s not just a teammate, but like a brother to me.”
Warren has also had to adjust to the sheer jump in resources after coming from the FCS level. He didn’t sugarcoat the difference.
“I’ve never been in an indoor (practice facility),” Warren said. “They have a lot of resources here that help me out a lot. It really plays a big part in my improvement, taking care of my body, especially the training room because I’m constantly in there taking care of my body.
“It’s pretty big. At Alcorn, we didn’t have as many resources.
Here, we have a lot of resources. They make sure you’re healthy, make sure you’re on top of your nutrition, and coach Thunder stays on you in the weight room.”
The move has clearly left an impression on NC State receivers coach Joker Phillips, who has seen Warren bring the right attitude and work ethic.
“Tyran Warren played at Alcorn State, and everything you give those guys, they appreciate,” Phillips said. “Tyran has busted his tail off for us and done a really good job.
The thing he has to understand is how to play at this level because it is different: the stadiums, the fan bases, and the intensity. I think he’s finding that out, and he’ll help us this year in some capacity.
He’s a really good special teamer, too. He can knock the top off coverages and has run a couple of big posts for us -- he’s a guy who can really stretch the field.”
Phillips’ message to Warren has been simple: keep building, keep trusting the work, and don’t get bogged down by the mistakes.
“He’s emphasized being the best player I can be,” Warren said. “He’s also emphasized don’t worry about doing things wrong -- but build yourself up and be comfortable out there.”
Even with NC State replacing its top five receivers from the 2025 season, Warren isn’t short on confidence in the group around him.
“I feel like we have a lot of guys who can compete,” Warren said. “We have a lot of guys who can step up and do what we need to do.
We have a lot of guys who could potentially be starters and leaders. I feel like we have a great group of receivers.”
Warren has also gotten a firsthand look at the challenge on the other side of the ball. He singled out senior cornerback Brian Nelson II as the toughest defender he’s seen since joining the Wolfpack.
“He’s a physical cornerback,” Warren said. “That’s the type of cornerback I like going against. It’s great competition in practice.”
The transfer has already found the end zone once in Wolfpack colors, catching a touchdown from sophomore quarterback Will Wilson. Wilson came away impressed.
“Ty’s one of a kind... he’s something special,” Wilson said. “It’s great to have him here.
He’s growing -- we’re all growing. It’s so special to watch us come up together and be great.”
Warren liked the score, but he’s not treating it like a finish line.
“I plan on getting plenty more,” Warren said. “I feel like my connection with our quarterbacks is pretty good.
I’m working hard to build that connection because it builds trust. If you build trust, they’re going to get the ball to you and work with you.
But catching that touchdown on the last play felt amazing.”
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