The Wolfpack's Rise: Five Players to Watch in the 2026 Season
The NC State football team is gearing up for a pivotal season, aiming to build on their 8-5 record from 2025 and make a splash in the ACC. With a few key players stepping up, the Pack could be a force to be reckoned with. Here's a breakdown of five players who will be crucial to the team's success.
CJ Bailey: The Rising Star at Quarterback
Bailey is the clear leader of this team. As a junior, he's already proven himself as a reliable and talented quarterback. Last season, he threw for 3,105 yards and 25 touchdowns, ranking ninth in program history. His accuracy is impressive, with a 69% completion rate, and he shines at home, where the Pack dominated with a 6-1 record. However, Bailey's road struggles are a concern. On the road, he completed only 64% of his passes, leading to a 1-4 record. This inconsistency needs to be addressed if the team wants to consistently perform well.
Bailey's leadership and skill set make him a key figure. With the departure of top receivers and the need to elevate the team's performance, he must step up. His ability to lead and improve his consistency will be pivotal in the team's success.
Jimarion McCrimon: Protecting the Blind Side
The offensive line is a critical area, and McCrimon, a redshirt junior, is tasked with protecting Bailey's blind side. His transition from ECU to the Power Four level is a challenge, but he's shown promise. McCrimon's consistent performance earned him first-team All-AAC honors, and his dedication to improving his strength and conditioning is notable. He's already weighed in at 306 pounds, up 14 pounds from his arrival, and his spring ball performance has been impressive, according to multiple sources.
The key for McCrimon is to maintain this level of play and provide the necessary protection for Bailey. His ability to anchor the offensive line will be crucial to the team's success.
Harvey Dyson: Disrupting the Pass Rush
State's pass rush was a weakness last season, and Dyson, a redshirt senior edge rusher, is here to change that. He brings a disruptive presence to the defense, having recorded 36 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and an impressive eight sacks at Tulane. His 90.4 pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus is a testament to his talent. Dyson's addition via the transfer portal is a significant boost to the team's defensive capabilities.
The challenge for Dyson is maintaining this high level of play against more formidable opponents. His ability to pressure quarterbacks will be vital to the team's success and could be a game-changer.
Duke Scott: Replacing a Legend
Scott, a redshirt sophomore running back, faces the daunting task of replacing Hollywood Smothers, a first-team All-ACC performer. However, Scott has proven his capability when given the opportunity. He rushed for 196 yards and a score against Georgia Tech and Memphis, showcasing his potential. Scott's productivity is evident, with 595 yards and four scores in his redshirt season.
While he may not have Smothers' ceiling, Scott's consistency and productivity make him a reliable option. With Bailey's improved performance and a stronger offensive line, Scott could become one of the ACC's better running backs.
Popo Aguirre: Leading the Defense
Aguirre, a senior linebacker, is tasked with replacing the formidable Caden Fordham, who had a monster senior season. Aguirre's experience and talent are notable, but the challenge lies in stepping up into a more prominent role. He needs to lead the defense and make plays, especially with the lack of proven talent at the position. His combined 70 tackles, 3.5 for loss, and one sack in the 2024 and 2025 campaigns demonstrate his ability to contribute.
Aguirre's leadership and performance will be critical to the team's defensive success and overall competitiveness.
In conclusion, the 2026 season holds promise for the NC State Wolfpack. With these five players stepping up, the team has the potential to make significant strides. Bailey's leadership, McCrimon's protection, Dyson's disruption, Scott's reliability, and Aguirre's leadership will be key factors in the team's success and their ability to contend in the ACC.
