NC State Lands Early Boost as Top Recruit Cole Cloer Reclassifies to 2025
RALEIGH, N.C. - NC State men’s basketball just got an early jolt of talent. Cole Cloer, the Wolfpack’s top commit in the 2026 class, is reclassifying to 2025 and will enroll early, joining the program for the second half of the 2025-26 season. It’s a move that adds a high-upside piece to the roster ahead of schedule-and one that could pay dividends both now and in the long run.
Cloer, a 6-foot-7 wing from Hillsborough, N.C., had been playing at IMG Academy in Florida before a knee injury sidelined him ahead of the regular season. While the injury prevents him from suiting up this year, it also opened the door for a strategic shift: rather than wait a full season to arrive in Raleigh, Cloer will now get a head start on his college career-rehabbing, learning the system, and getting acclimated with the team.
The Wolfpack had one scholarship slot remaining after the NCAA’s offseason expansion to 15, and they’ve used it wisely. Cloer, ranked No. 27 nationally in the 2026 class and the top player in North Carolina, brings a polished offensive game that should translate quickly to the college level. He’s known for his shooting touch and versatility-traits that NC State head coach Will Wade believes will make an immediate impact.
“He’s a damn good player,” Wade said earlier this fall. “Really, really good shooter.
He just had some surgery. It wasn’t nearly as serious as we thought.
So that was very, very good, and he’s on the road to recovery. He’s somebody that’s going to be able to come in and help us and make an impact from day one.”
Cloer’s early arrival has been in the works for weeks. Back in November, Wade hinted at the possibility of a December enrollment, noting that the staff was working through graduation logistics. With that process now complete, Cloer is expected to be on campus for the spring semester, giving him valuable time to integrate with the team while continuing his recovery.
The commitment itself was a major recruiting win for Wade and his staff. Though Cloer was initially recruited by the previous regime, Wade, assistant coach Adam Howard, and general manager Andrew Slater worked behind the scenes over the summer to secure his pledge. Beating out 20-plus offers from across the country to land the No. 1 player in the state is no small feat-and it sends a message about the direction of the program under Wade’s leadership.
“To be able to get the No. 1 player in the state, it’s a big, big deal,” Wade said.
While Cloer won’t be logging minutes just yet, his presence in the locker room, his ability to learn the system early, and the chance to build chemistry with teammates all set the stage for a smoother transition when he does take the floor. It’s a smart play for both player and program-one that could give NC State a head start on what was already shaping up to be a promising future.
For now, Cloer will focus on recovery and development. But make no mistake: the Wolfpack just added one of the most talented young players in the country to its roster ahead of schedule. And when he’s ready to roll, he could be a game-changer.