Dave Doeren enters his 14th season at NC State following an 8-5 campaign in 2025. Offensively, NC State returns continuity at quarterback and along the line, but must replace its top five pass catchers and some backfield production. Kurt Roper returns for his second season as offensive coordinator, while CJ Bailey returns at quarterback. Duke Scott is among the running back options after Hollywood Smothers’ departure, while North Carolina transfer Davion Gause joins the backfield. 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. Defensively, the secondary provides the main continuity, while the front seven undergoes considerable turnover. 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, Ronnie Royal III, Brian Nelson II, Tristan Teasdell, and Penn State transfer King Mack remain in the mix. 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 features 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. On special teams, NC State enters 2026 with returning kicker experience and a new primary punt returner needed. Kaneah 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 features 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 turnover at the skill positions and throughout the front seven.