NC State Taps into South Florida Pipeline, Eyes Miami Transfers Jojo Trader and Popo Aguirre
RALEIGH, N.C. - If you’re looking for a theme in NC State’s offseason roster moves, it’s this: the Wolfpack are building a serious South Florida connection. With a dozen players already on the roster from the Greater Miami area - and more on the way - Carter-Finley Stadium might want to start flying a Dade County flag next fall.
The Wolfpack have been active in the transfer portal, and their latest targets are two former Miami Hurricanes: wide receiver Joshisa “Jojo” Trader and linebacker Raul “Popo” Aguirre. Both would bring talent, experience, and familiarity with current NC State players - and both could fill immediate needs on the roster.
Jojo Trader: A Familiar Face with Big-Play Potential
Let’s start with Trader. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound receiver entered the portal last week and has already been in communication with NC State. He’s no stranger to the Pack - he was high school teammates with current NC State quarterback CJ Bailey, and the two already have chemistry that could be reignited in Raleigh.
Last season, Trader hauled in 13 catches for 178 yards and a touchdown for the Hurricanes. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but they only tell part of the story.
Coming out of high school, he was the No. 70 overall player and 14th-ranked receiver in the 2024 class - a clear indicator of his upside. He’s got two years of eligibility left, and NC State is hoping to get him on campus for an official visit soon.
Weather delayed a visit over the weekend, but discussions are ongoing, and the Wolfpack are pushing hard.
Trader isn’t short on options - other programs are in the mix - but NC State’s growing Miami connection could be a difference-maker. With Bailey already in the fold and other South Florida natives like Teddy Hoffmann, Deandre Desinor, and Rico Jackson on the roster, the Pack are building a familiar environment that could appeal to players like Trader looking for a fresh start.
Popo Aguirre: A Physical Presence with Production to Match
Then there’s Popo Aguirre, who entered the portal late Saturday night. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker has been a steady contributor for Miami over the past two seasons, racking up 70 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and even a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. He’s not just a name - he’s a proven playmaker.
And here’s where things get even more interesting: Aguirre is the older brother of Markel “Chino” Aguirre, a freshman safety already on NC State’s roster. That family connection, along with NC State’s clear need at inside linebacker, makes this a natural fit.
With Caden Fordham and Kenny Soares both moving on, the Wolfpack are thin at the position. Aguirre, who finished the 2025 season with an 86.3 run-stopping grade from Pro Football Focus - the highest among Miami linebackers - could step in and be an immediate impact player in his final year of eligibility.
Building a South Florida Stronghold
NC State’s recruiting footprint in Florida has expanded significantly, and this is no accident. The Wolfpack now have 12 players from the Greater Miami area and four more from other parts of the state.
And they’re not just collecting talent - they’re building a culture. Players from the same high schools and hometowns are reuniting in Raleigh, creating a comfort zone that’s helping the program attract and retain top-tier talent from one of the most fertile recruiting grounds in the country.
The pursuit of Trader and Aguirre fits that mold perfectly. Both are former blue-chip prospects.
Both come from Miami. And both have ties to current players on the roster.
If NC State can close the deal on either - or both - it would be a major boost heading into the 2026 season.
Expect developments in the coming days as official visits are lined up and decisions draw closer. But one thing’s clear: NC State’s Florida pipeline is flowing strong - and it might just be the key to the Wolfpack taking the next step.