Will the Wolfpack Finally Break Through? A Preview of the 2024 NC State Football Season
Raleigh, N.C. - As the 2024 season kicks off, the NC State Wolfpack football team is ready to build on their recent successes under the steady leadership of head coach Dave Doeren. Entering his 12th season with the Wolfpack, Doeren has cultivated a resilient and competitive program that consistently challenges for top positions in the ACC. Facing the easiest conference schedule, according to Phil Steele, the Wolfpack are determined to make a strong push for an ACC Championship and a potential college football playoff seed, with fans eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting and impactful season.
Offensive Preview:
To close out the regular season, the Wolfpack outscored its opponents 144-77 to help go on a five-game win streak. They added a ton of weapons through the transfer portal to enhance the offense. Players like Grayson McCall from Coastal Carolina, Jordan Waters from Duke, and redshirt freshman Noah Rogers will elevate the offense and take some of the pressure off of Kevin "KC" Concepcion. They will have a weapon at every position on the offensive side of the football that can make big-time plays.
Defense Preview:
Due to Payton Wilson departing from the Wolfpack, the defense is going to have a new look. A new trio of linebackers will start along a strong secondary. They ranked first in the ACC with 17 interceptions last year and will look to replicate the amount of turnovers created. All in all, defensive coordinator Tony Gibson should have another stellar defense, even without their Chuck Bednarik award winner.
Top Returning Players:
KC Concepcion WR - He had one of the best freshman seasons in college football without a doubt. He was named the CFN Freshman Offensive Player of the Year. Just like last year, Concepcion will be the focus of the offense.
Devan Boykin DB/S - He recorded a career-high 54 tackles and three interceptions last year. His experience and leadership will be relied upon heavily this season as there are lots of pieces to be replaced on the defensive side of the football.
Top Incoming Transfers:
Grayson McCall QB -McCall threw for over 10,000 yards and rushed for over 1,000 yards in four seasons as a starter with Coastal Carolina. With Brennan Armstrong exceeding his time playing college football, McCall is a great QB that will fit the Wolfpack system.
Zeke Correll C - He was the starting center for Notre Dame last season and had a great season. He will slot in as the starting center and lead the ground attack up front for the Wolfpack.
Jordan Waters RB - Waters is not unfamiliar with the Wolfpack as he transfers from across-town rival, Duke. He thrives off of contact and can break one open in the blink of an eye—a great get in the portal for the Wolfpack.
Top Incoming Freshman:
Jonathan Paylor ATH - Paylor has a ton of high expectations for his first season for the Wolfpack. He was tabbed as one of 247Sports 24 true freshmen to watch for this upcoming season.
Terrell Anderson WR - Anderson is the number two recruit out of the state of North Carolina and the number nine wide receiver in the country. Once he spends some time in the weight room and comprehends the playbook, the sky's the limit for him.
Top Departures:
Payton Wilson LB - Wilson, the reigning Chuck Bednarik award winner, has found his new home with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His 138 total tackles are going to be difficult to replace, but replacing his leadership will be even more difficult.
Brennan Armstrong QB - Grit is the word to describe Armstrong. Being a quarterback, he wasn’t supposed to take hits, but Armstrong thrived off of contact. He would be willing to do whatever it took to get a win.
Under-the-Radar Players:
Sean Brown Hybrid - He will transition into Payton Wilson’s role as the hybrid linebacker who is all over the field. Keep an eye on him to lead the Wolfpack in tackles this season.
Red Hibbler DE - He racked up a team-high 6.5 sacks but finished with only 13 tackles. He will hopefully have a better all-around season for the Wolfpack. He has the potential to become a big-time contributor to the Wolfpack’s defense.
Win Total Prediction:
The NC State Wolfpack’s win total is listed as 8.5. I believe this is a gift from the sportsbooks as they have the easiest conference schedule and should excel this total. I will be taking the Wolfpack to win over 8.5 games this upcoming season. I only see the Wolfpack losing two games this season, and they are at home vs. Tennessee and at Clemson, a game in which the Tigers should come out victorious. Every other game on their schedule should be a win, which would hit the total of over 8.5 wins.
