RALEIGH — The transfer portal is swirling with activity as the College Football Playoff is still going, putting the sport in a unique position where it is walking in two different seasons at the same time. NC State, already finished with the 2025 season, is busy operating in the portal, both gaining and losing players over the last month.
Another member of the Wolfpack decided to walk away from the program Friday, seeking a new chapter and path to playing time. Backup quarterback Lex Thomas opted for the transfer portal after three seasons playing in Raleigh, according to a report from 247Sports.
More on the exit of Thomas
NC State QB Lex Thomas is entering the portal per @agentnateotto of @mgcsports.Will have three years of eligibility remaining.https://t.co/R5w0geIaVP@_lexthomas2pic.twitter.com/uTtMAKRqBZ
— Allen Trieu (@AllenTrieu) January 9, 2026
Thomas never got significant reps with the Wolfpack, playing just 43 snaps over three seasons. He attempted 15 passes, completing seven of them for 83 yards. He threw one touchdown pass and an interception in his limited work with the Pack. Thomas played in the Wolfpack’s win over Campbell in 2025 and finished his NC State career with snaps in the Gasparilla Bowl victory.
He leaves behind some serious family roots in Raleigh. Thomas is the youngest brother in a family that produced two other valuable members of the program. Drake Thomas was one of the best linebackers to come through the program under Dave Doeren and is in the midst of a breakout season with the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL.
Thayer Thomas, the eldest of the bunch, played wide receiver under Doeren over the course of four seasons, quietly becoming one of the more reliable pass catchers during his Wolfpack career. He finished second in program history behind Torry Holt in career touchdown receptions, racking up 24 scores in four seasons…