When the Wolfpack steps onto the field for its 2026 season opener, a bold new uniform will greet them — a black camouflage design that weaves together the university’s deep military heritage with a contemporary tribute to service.
Symbolism woven into every stitch
The ensemble bears crossed swords and an American flag, echoing the Memorial Belltower’s granite walls etched with blades of honor. Seven stars adorn the collar, each representing a major North Carolina installation — from Fort Liberty and Camp Lejeune to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and the Coast Guard base in Elizabeth City.
A partnership forged for innovation
The collaboration with the U.S. Army extends beyond apparel, aiming to spark joint research, workforce development and shared technological advancement. NC State’s Army ROTC has already produced 2,500 officers, while its Air Force and Naval programs boast a 100 percent selection rate and the largest NROTC cohort in the state.
The debut will coincide with the opening game against Richmond on September 11, a date chosen to mark the 25th anniversary of the attacks that reshaped the nation. The timing adds a layer of remembrance to a uniform that already carries the weight of history.