NC State Opens 2026 Season As Underdogs Against Virginia

Recent history is on NC State’s side as it prepares to face off against a favored Virginia team.

Oct 4, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren with his team prepare to run out prior to the first half of the game against Campbell Fighting Camels at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Hope abounds in Raleigh that this is a season to remember for the Wolfpack. Its season gets underway this week. The Wolfpack travel to Virginia to face off against the Cavaliers. 

This game was initially set to be played in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. However, the game was relocated to Charlottesville, Virginia, due to logistical issues identified in June.

NC State is currently a 5.5-point underdog against the Cavaliers by BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel.. 

NC State Football Opens 2026 as an Underdog Against Virginia

The Wolfpack has won the last four meetings against Virginia, and their last three visits to Charlottesville have also resulted in victories. NC State is 7-3 against Virginia dating back to 2002. 

So with recent history tipping in NC State’s favor here, it feels somewhat disrespectful that the Wolfpack open its season as the underdog. Granted, Virginia won 11 games and made it to the ACC Championship Game last season. 

But it’s a new season, and this is NC State’s game to lose. 

Major Virginia Departures

Virginia saw 14 starters depart the program at the end of last season, including quarterback Chandler Morris. The Cavaliers also lost some major contributors on defense, including Devin Neal (S) and James Jackson (LB). 

Only five players return on the Cavaliers' defense. Even with a retooled offense, give the advantage to CJ Bailey here, who knows how to win against Virginia. He impressed in this game last year. 

The then-sophomore quarterback completed 69.6% of his passes for 200 yards with 1 touchdown. Bailey also rushed for two scores in the 35 to 31 victory over the Cavaliers.

Dec 19, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; NC State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (11) is sacked by Memphis Tigers linebacker Drue Watts (7) in the third quarter during the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Key NC State Additions

NC State also lost some playmakers heading into this season, but Dave Doeren picked up some key additions in the transfer portal, including King Mack (S) and Victor Snow (WR), who will both factor into the team’s plans. 

The Wolfpack also recently received a boost with a judge’s ruling that KaTron Evans can play this weekend. Evans transferred into the program from Marshall after playing in 32 career games. His experience is a benefit to the defense. 

The high hopes for NC State's season don’t entirely ride on this game against Virginia, but the sun shines a lot brighter with a victory against the Cavaliers.

During Dave Doeren’s tenure, NC State is 12-1 in its season openers. Virginia vs. NC State kicks off at 3:30 pm ET on Saturday, August 29 on ESPN. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.  If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.