Graduate Scholar-Athlete Honor
The Atlantic Coast Conference announced its 2025‑26 Graduate Scholar‑Athlete of the Year award, spotlighting three NC State football standouts who balanced demanding graduate studies with full‑time play. Their recognition underscores the conference’s commitment to rewarding athletes who excel academically as well as competitively.
Anthony Carter Jr., who earned a communication degree before pursuing a master’s in liberal studies, appeared in 47 games for the Wolfpack, starting 36 of them. A four‑time ACC All‑Academic selection and five‑time honor roll member, Carter accumulated 6,316 receiving yards, placing him seventh in school history.
Matt McCabe, a management graduate, earned three ACC All‑Academic honors during his tenure as an offensive guard. His consistent performance on the line was matched by a strong academic record, reflected in multiple conference academic accolades.
Caden Noonkester completed a degree in crop and soil sciences while serving as the team’s primary punter. His 147 career punts and 6,316 yards of net punting rank tenth in NC State history, illustrating his impact on field position strategy.
A Distinctive Cohort
The three honorees are part of a six‑player group of NC State graduate scholar‑athletes who met the ACC’s stringent eligibility requirements — completing a full graduate program and maintaining athletic participation in at least one season as a graduate student. Their collective achievement represents half of the school’s honorees, emphasizing the program’s academic depth.
The award’s criteria demand the completion of a graduate degree — excluding certificates — and active participation in the sport during the graduate year. By meeting these standards, Carter, McCabe and Noonkester exemplify the conference’s vision of developing well‑rounded leaders.
Beyond individual accolades, the recognition reflects NC State’s broader strategy to integrate rigorous academics with competitive athletics. The university’s partnership with the ACC continues to foster environments where student‑athletes can thrive both in the classroom and on the field.