NC State head coach Dave Doeren, CJ Bailey, Duke Scott and Isaiah Shirley (VIDEO)

NC State Wolfpack key players

Quarterback CJ Bailey: Bailey started 13 games for the Wolfpack last season, throwing for 3,105 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Running back Jayden “Duke” Scott: Scott rushed for 581 yards, including a career-high 196 vs. Georgia Tech, last season.

Defensive end Isaiah Shirley: Shirley played tight end in his freshman season before shifting to the defensive line in 2025. Shirley saw the most action among NC State’s reserves last season and is one of the most experienced members of the defense.

2026 Wolfpack schedule

Aug. 29 at Virginia * 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Sept. 5 OPEN
Sept. 11 Richmond 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU)
Sept. 19 at Vanderbilt 12:45 p.m. ET (SECN)
Sept. 26 Appalachian State
Oct. 3 Louisville *
Oct. 10 Wake Forest *
Oct. 17 OPEN
Oct. 23 at Stanford * 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Oct. 31 California *
Nov. 7 Duke *
Nov. 14 Syracuse *
Nov. 21 at Florida State *
Nov. 28 at North Carolina *

NC State’s Dave Doeren, CJ Bailey, Duke Scott and Isaiah Shirley