The questions with NC State aren't necessarily about talent, but rather trustworthiness. The team often appears good enough to break through, including during coach Dave Doeren's tenure. But for various reasons, NC State has fallen short. After a 9-3 regular season that included a win over Clemson, NC State should have a real chance to win its first ACC championship since 1979. If FPR were a one-year projection, NC State would find itself in or near the top 10. Then again, if the Wolfpack don't deliver this fall, the 2023 and 2024 forecast could get murky. Devin Leary is primed to uphold NC State quarterback tradition after passing for 3,433 yards and 35 touchdowns last fall. If Leary exits after the 2022 season, as expected, the Wolfpack could turn to Ben Finley or several younger players, or seek a top quarterback transfer. Leary will throw to two solid wide receivers in Thayer Thomas and Devin Carter, and NC State will try to add others to the mix, including sophomore Porter Rooks. Junior Jordan Houston is set to be NC State's featured back for at least a year after the departures of Zonovan Knight and Ricky Person Jr. But the team has decent depth, including incoming freshman Michael Allen, an ESPN 300 recruit. Trent Pennix and Christopher Toudle fill the tight end role, and both have multiple seasons of eligibility left. The Wolfpack will miss All-American left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, but return all-ACC center Grant Gibson and several other experienced linemen, including sophomore guard Dylan McMahon.
Leary will get the attention this fall, but NC State's defense could propel the team. The Wolfpack return three first-team All-ACC selections in junior linebacker Drake Thomas, senior safety Tanner Ingle and senior tackle Cory Durden. Linebacker Payton Wilson, who generated national buzz in 2021 before an early-season injury, also returns with junior eligibility. Linebacker depth jumps out with Thomas, Wilson, sophomore Devon Betty, junior Jaylon Scott and Isaiah Wilson, an honorable mention All-ACC selection the past two seasons. The short-term outlook in the secondary looks great with Ingle and seniors Derrek Pitts Jr. and Tyler Baker-Williams. NC State will need sophomore cornerback Shyheim Battle and others to emerge for 2023 and beyond. Durden departs after 2022, but NC State should get end Savion Jackson and tackles Davin Vann and C.J. Clark for several more seasons. The development of 2021 recruits such as linebacker Jordan Poole, an ESPN 300 selection, and end Travali Price will be key.
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