2026 Outlook for the Wolfpack
North Carolina State’s football program is entering a pivotal 2026 season, one that will see the team replace 16 starters from the previous year. Among the returning players, quarterback CJ Bailey stands out as a key anchor, while veteran coach Dave Doeren begins his 14th year at the helm. The Wolfpack hope to build on a trajectory that has produced at least eight wins in five of the last six campaigns, aiming for a breakthrough that could finally push them into double‑digit victories.
A Manageable Schedule
The schedule has been drawn up with an eye toward manageability. The season opener takes place on August 29 against Virginia in Charlottesville, and the ACC slate largely avoids the conference’s traditional powerhouses, giving the Wolfpack a realistic path to early momentum.
New Faces on Defense
One of the most anticipated additions is Ondre Evans, who will slide into the cornerback spot vacated by Devon Marshall. A former high‑school standout from Tennessee, Evans arrived on campus with national prospect status and is expected to shore up a secondary that struggled with passing yards last season.
Jimarion McCrimon, a 6‑foot‑5, 314‑pound senior who transferred from East Carolina, is slated to fill the left‑tackle void left by Jacarrius Peak. His size and experience are viewed as critical for improving both pass protection and run blocking, areas that were among the team’s weakest points in 2025.
Defensively, the secondary will also benefit from the arrival of King Mack, a safety who previously wore the colors of Penn State and Alabama. His presence is intended to reverse a 2025 performance that saw the Wolfpack rank 130th nationally in passing yards allowed, a statistic that underscores the urgency of secondary improvement.
Linebacker Popo Aguirre is projected to become the defensive anchor, stepping into the role left by All‑American Caden Fordham. Coach Doeren has highlighted Aguirre’s leadership as essential to the unit’s ambition of achieving double‑digit wins for the first time in school history.
Coaching Continuity
Beyond individual talent, the broader context remains one of continuity and growth. Doeren’s program has demonstrated resilience, and the coaching staff believes that the blend of experienced returnees and high‑impact transfers can translate into a more competitive ACC campaign.