Dave Doeren enters his 14th season at NC State following an 8-5 campaign in 2025. Kurt Roper returns for his second season as offensive coordinator, while CJ Bailey returns at quarterback. Duke Scott is among the options at running back following Hollywood Smothers’ departure, while North Carolina transfer Davion Gause joins the backfield. NC State must replace its top five pass catchers from last season. Keenan Jackson returns, while transfers Jojo Trader and Davion Dozier join the receiving corps. Teddy Hoffmann will miss the 2026 season while serving a suspension following a positive PED test. The offensive line returns full-time starter Teague Andersen after making 12 starts last season, while Kamen Smith and Spike Sowells Jr. each return after making six. Rico Jackson also returns after making four starts.
DJ Eliot enters his second season as defensive coordinator with NC State returning just four of its top eleven tacklers from last season, including only one of its top five. All four returning players come from the secondary. Asaad Brown Jr. returns as a full-time starter after making 10 starts last season, while Jackson Vick and Ronnie Royal III return after making nine and six starts, respectively. Brian Nelson II also returns after making three starts. Tristan Teasdell made five starts last season, while Penn State transfer King Mack joins the group after making eight starts in 2025. Veteran CB Jamel Johnson was added back to the roster for a fifth season, but his 2026 eligibility remains uncertain following a federal appeals-court ruling. The front seven will feature considerable turnover, with Joseph Adedire and Isaiah Shirley among the returning players. Tulane transfer Harvey Dyson and Miami transfer Raul “Popo” Aguirre Jr. join the group.
Todd Goebbel enters his eighth season as special teams coordinator. Kanoah Vinesett returns at placekicker after attempting six field goals last season, while Arkansas State transfer Jackson Waller joins the competition at punter. Duke Scott returns with kick-return experience, while NC State will feature a new primary punt returner with Hoffmann unavailable for the season. NC State enters 2026 with continuity at quarterback and starting experience along the offensive line and in the secondary, but significant turnover at the skill positions and throughout the front seven.