RALEIGH — NC State underwent an offensive makeover of sorts during the transfer portal window following the 2025 season. With star quarterback CJ Bailey committed to a return to the program, head coach Dave Doeren and his staff went to work on trying to surround the signal caller with as many new weapons as possible to ensure he took another step as a passer.
Enter wide receiver Joshisa “JoJo” Trader, a transfer from Miami who held a longstanding relationship with Bailey long before their college careers began. Trader and Bailey played high school football together at Chaminade-Madonna Prep in the Miami metropolitan area, even winning a state championship as teammates.
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Trader joined two of his Miami teammates in transferring to NC State, as linebacker Raul “Popo” Aguirre and fellow wideout Chance Robinson both opted for a fresh start as a part of the Wolfpack. It’s been a different experience for each one of the 20 transfers who joined the Pack in December, but Trader’s old friend, Bailey, is making it easier to fit in.
“It’s very exciting. I can’t even tell you how I feel,” Trader said about playing with his high school quarterback. “I’ve just got to show it on the field… From high school to little league to even seven-on-seven, I just feel good, like I said.”
Obviously, there’s a familiarity between Bailey and Trader that has made it easy for both to get back into the swing of things quickly. Doeren, offensive coordinator Kurt Roper and even members of the defense have been impressed by the new wide receiver additions, including Trader and Robinson, and their immediate ability to click with Bailey. For Trader, it’s all about Bailey himself…