The Wolfpack announced a revamped leadership roster for the upcoming 2026 campaign, designating five captains and three assistant captains after a teammate‑driven vote that echoed a hockey‑style selection process.
Peer‑Driven Captaincy Model
On the offensive side, quarterback CJ Bailey and running back Duke Scott will wear the captain’s badge, while the defensive unit will be led by linebackers Popo Aguirre, cornerback AJ Richardson and safety Brian Nelson II.
Three assistants — Keenan Jackson, Kamen Smith and Isaiah Shirley — were also chosen to support the captains, marking the first time the program has formally added assistant captains to its hierarchy.
Coach Dave Doeren explained that the new model was adopted after a tightly contested vote, saying the approach draws on the clarity of hockey captaincy and reflects a broader trend of structured leadership in both military units and Fortune 500 firms.
Leadership expert Mike Erwin, who has consulted the Wolfpack’s leadership council for two seasons and previously advised the Carolina Hurricanes, was cited as a key influence behind the initiative.
All eight selected players have already shown their capacity to lead, having excelled during offseason conditioning, spring practice and the early days of fall camp, according to the coaching staff.
The organization says the structure is intended not only to guide the 2026 squad but also to cultivate future leaders, mirroring the mentorship pipelines found in corporate boardrooms and armed forces.
CJ Bailey will captain the team for a second straight year, while the remaining captains and assistants bring fresh perspectives to the role.