RALEIGH, NC — North Carolina State continues to put together winning seasons and has the potential to do even more, so coach Dave Doeren is committed to his successful program but also excited about what else could be possible.
There have been four consecutive eight- or nine-win seasons, putting the 24th-ranked Wolfpack on the verge of its second-ever 10-win season and first since 2002. And if NC State can do that, Doeren’s team could contend for the Atlantic Coast Conference title.
“What we did last year and the year before that and the year before that is good,” Doeren said. “Winning nine games is good. We don’t want to be good, we want to be the best at what we do. These guys understand that.”
Doeren enters his 12th season after becoming the program’s all-time winningest coach last season. He is seeking the program’s first ACC title since 1979, and this year’s team is projected to finish fourth in the expanded 17-team league.
NC State returns about half of its offensive and defensive linemen, but was also able to sign a new class of experienced players through the transfer portal, including a new starting quarterback in Grayson McCall from Coastal Carolina.
The season comes during a period of wild success for Wolfpack athletics: The men’s basketball team won its first ACC title since 1987 and reached its first Final Four since 1983, the women’s basketball team reached its first Final Four since 1998, and the baseball team returned to the College World Series.
Doeren’s team would like to add to this list.
NC State running back Jordan Waters speaks during the Atlantic Coast Conference NCAA College Football Media Days on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Charlotte, NC Photo credit: AP/Matt Kelley
“The atmosphere was great. Our fans were electric,” said defensive end Davin Vann. “I wouldn’t necessarily call it pressure, but we enjoy the energy they bring.”
The new QB
This is the second straight season the Wolfpack will begin the season looking for a transfer player to lead the offensive line. Last year it was Virginia graduate Brennan Armstrong. Now it’s McCall, a sixth-year graduate with more than 10,000 career passing yards.
“It’s refreshing to be in a new place,” said McCall, who has shown a knack for avoiding mistakes, throwing 77 touchdown passes with just eight interceptions from 2020-22.
“He has a great feel for the football, his game-calling skills, his time management and everything – he’s an experienced player,” Doeren said. “And he’s a great fit for our program.”
NC State defensive end Davin Vann speaks during the Atlantic Coast Conference NCAA College Football Media Days on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Charlotte, NC Photo credit: AP/Matt Kelley
Biggest threat
KC Concepcion played a key role in the Wolfpack’s second half of the season. The sophomore is NC State’s best weapon this year.
Concepcion caught 71 balls for 839 yards with 10 touchdowns and also ran for 320 yards. Last year, he finished three games in a row with seven catches.
Next defense steps
The Wolf Pack’s defense has been reliable over the past few years, ranking in the top 30 in national scoring (20.8) and total defense (332.1).
But that unit has seen the departure of several core players, most notably Payton Wilson, who was named the league’s best defensive player by the Associated Press and won the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker and the Bednarik Award as the nation’s best overall defensive player.
“With Tony Gibson alone as defensive coordinator, I am confident we will always have a top-notch defense,” said cornerback Aydan White.
Improved experience
NC State was ranked 18th nationally in transfer classes by 247Sports. The new additions included a proven runner in Duke running back Jordan Waters, backup receiver Noah Rogers from Ohio State and a veteran center in Zeke Correll (31 starts) from Notre Dame.
The Wolf Pack has welcomed more than 40 new players this year.
The schedule
NC State opens at home against Western Carolina on Aug. 29 before playing a top non-conference game against No. 15 Tennessee in Charlotte on Sept. 7.
The ACC schedule begins at No. 14 Clemson (Sept. 21), while two of the league’s three new schools are on the schedule with a trip to California (Oct. 19) and a visit to Stanford (Nov. 2). NC State faces Duke in its final home game (Nov. 9) and visits rival North Carolina on Nov. 30.
