RALEIGH — The 2025 season ended swiftly for NC State football, although the Wolfpack hoisted a trophy at the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl after beating the Memphis Tigers for the program’s first bowl win since 2017. Dave Doeren and his staff quickly began the process of retaining key players and assessing potential options out of the transfer portal for 2026.
The program received a huge boost when talented quarterback CJ Bailey announced his intention to return to NC State for a third season under Doeren. With the most important player on the team back in line for another run at things in the ACC, the Pack was able to construct a plan for the highly chaotic transfer portal season, which began Jan. 2.
QB1. 🐺#1Pack1Goalpic.twitter.com/r4KA7f6Yvz
— NC State Football (@PackFootball) January 2, 2026
With star running back Hollywood Smothers off to Alabama and tight end Justin Joly destined for the NFL, Bailey became the unquestioned face of the offense for the 2026 season. However, the team lost significant talent on the offensive line, requiring more work in the portal to ensure Bailey has the protection he needs to get NC State to the top of the conference…