
2026 Central Piedmont 7A/8A Football Preview: Players, Schedules, and Storylines
A look at the key players, schedules and storylines shaping the 2026 Central Piedmont 7A/8A football season
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning NC State University across Basketball, Baseball, Football.

A look at the key players, schedules and storylines shaping the 2026 Central Piedmont 7A/8A football season
Drew Dickerson, a sophomore outfielder from Oklahoma, announced his commitment to the University of Florida on July 1, bringing a national championship pedigree and solid hitting stats to the Gators' lineup.

Lawmakers in Raleigh presented a sweeping budget that boosts wages for state workers, trims the income tax rate, and earmarks funds for a new children’s hospital, while deliberately leaving out financing for a proposed MLB stadium.

Clemson University is channeling tens of millions into its football roster, a move that reflects a broader trend of elite programs financing their squads through NIL collectives and donor networks.

A bipartisan budget agreement delivers salary increases for state workers, a $105 million boost for a children’s hospital in Apex, and a higher tax on sports‑betting operators, while leaving out funding for a proposed Raleigh stadium.

Georgia's latest transfer portal acquisition, Jet Gilliam, brings a .362 batting average and elite base‑running to the Bulldogs' outfield.

The Wolfpack unveiled the full roster and jersey assignments for the 2026‑27 campaign, highlighting significant number changes and the arrival of key newcomers.

NC State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will meet on Dec. 15 at the Greensboro Coliseum in a neutral‑site game that promises financial benefits and a boost for local tourism.

NC State’s men’s basketball team will face UNC‑Chapel Hill at the Greensboro Coliseum on Dec. 15, a game that emerged from a reshuffled schedule and promises benefits for players, the city and the conferences.
Former Delaware County high school standouts Jesse Minter and Eddie Faulkner have been appointed to the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff, with Minter taking the head coach role and Faulkner joining as running backs coach. Their paths, rooted in Indiana’s football culture, are highlighted by a upcoming matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

Coach Kristy Curry returns to the University of South Florida with a track record of 554 wins and 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, bringing a renewed focus on teamwork, chemistry, and aggressive recruiting.
The Commodores will host the Cavaliers in Nashville on Sept. 16, 2028, with a return game slated for Charlottesville in 2031, reviving a rivalry that dates back to 1895.

NC State is deepening its roster with a focus on size, having welcomed recruit Shah Hall for an official visit and eyeing other big‑man prospects before the June recruitment window closes.

Coach Kevin Gainey blends a veteran staff with a young, talented roster, aiming for long‑term growth and sustained improvement.

After a standout season at Louisville, Brittany Morris is set to rejoin NC State’s women’s basketball staff, bringing a proven track record of development and deep ties to the Raleigh community.

After stints at Louisville and several other programs, Brittany Morris is back at North Carolina State, bringing a strong coaching pedigree and a focus on player development.

A wave of commitments from top prospects, including Jacob Burns, has lifted NC State to No. 33 in the 247 Composite, marking a dramatic turnaround for the program.

After stints at Florida, the Detroit Tigers and professional scouting, Taylor Black rejoins the Wolfpack staff, aiming to bolster recruiting and player development.

A legal battle between North Carolina State University and Louisiana State University has emerged after allegations that LSU may have induced basketball coach Will Wade to break his contract, prompting a multi‑million dollar settlement and a broader inquiry into collegiate recruiting practices.

Jayme Kontuniemi, a Finnish basketball prospect, will join Troy University’s men’s program next season, bringing a decorated European résumé and a redshirt year at NC State.

Camden Goforth, a highly rated high school lineman, has chosen West Virginia over several other programs, citing confidence in coach Rich Rodriguez's plan to restore the team to national relevance.
Auburn’s baseball team, bolstered by standout pitchers Alex Petrovic and Jackson Sanders and guided by coach Butch Thompson, prepares for a pivotal super regional series against Ole Miss, aiming to translate recent resilience into a championship run.

NC State will host South Carolina in the 2026 ACC/SEC Challenge, marking the Wolfpack’s first home game in the event and adding a marquee matchup to a previously thin schedule.

A five‑tier projection sorts the conference’s programs, with Duke in the top tier and a bottom bucket labeled “The Basement.”