NC State is keeping a close eye on the Transfer Portal, and one name drawing real interest is Miami wide receiver Joshisa Trader. The sophomore pass catcher is exploring his options, and the Wolfpack are firmly in the mix - and for good reason.
Trader just wrapped up his second season with the Hurricanes, appearing in 11 games and putting up 13 catches for 178 yards and a touchdown. While those numbers might not jump off the stat sheet, they don’t tell the whole story.
Trader’s talent has never been in question - it’s more about opportunity and fit. And in Raleigh, the fit might be just right.
As a true freshman in 2024, Trader saw limited action but still managed to flash his potential with six receptions for 91 yards and a score across seven games. He’s shown he can produce when given the chance, and now he’s looking for a system where he can take that next step.
Coming out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida, Trader was one of the most highly regarded receivers in the nation. He was a consensus four-star recruit in the 2024 class, ranked No. 25 overall nationally by ESPN, No. 6 among wide receivers, and No. 6 in the talent-rich state of Florida. That kind of pedigree doesn’t fade - it just needs the right environment to flourish.
And here’s where things get interesting: Trader already has a built-in connection with NC State quarterback CJ Bailey. The two were teammates at Chaminade-Madonna, where Bailey was under center and Trader was one of his go-to targets.
While five-star phenom Jeremiah Smith (now at Ohio State) was the headliner of that receiving corps, Trader was far from a secondary option. He racked up 47 catches for 757 yards and 14 touchdowns during their senior season together - numbers that speak to both his playmaking ability and his chemistry with Bailey.
That existing rapport could be a major factor here. In the world of college football, where timing and trust between quarterback and receiver can take months - sometimes years - to develop, having that foundation already in place is a huge asset. It’s not just about familiarity; it’s about rhythm, confidence, and knowing exactly where your guy is going to be when the play breaks down.
With two years of eligibility left, Trader would bring a combination of experience, athleticism, and upside to a Wolfpack offense that’s looking to reload and make noise in the ACC. He’s a smooth route-runner with reliable hands and a knack for finding the end zone - and he’s already proven he can do it alongside Bailey.
Expect Bailey to be a key recruiter in this process. If NC State can land Trader, they’re not just adding a talented receiver - they’re reuniting a duo with real on-field chemistry and the potential to elevate the Wolfpack passing game in a big way.