Unsung Position Group Shines Again For NC State

This position group hasn't dominated the stat sheet since the opening week, but it has still made significant contributions to the Wolfpack's 3-0 start.

Sep 11, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, North Carolina State Wolfpack wide receiver Keenan Jackson (8) celebrates a first down against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive back Karon Prunty (3) in the second half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Luke Jamroz-Imagn Images | Luke Jamroz-Imagn Images

RALEIGH, N.C. -- In each of the three wins to start the season, North Carolina State improved its scoring output, with the most recent total being 34 in Thursday's victory over Wake Forest. Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren stated after the team's opening win that the goal was to score 31 points per game.

The totals in the first two games were 24 and 31, slowly climbing the ladder to where the Wolfpack wants to be consistently.

The sophomore duo of quarterback CJ Bailey and running back Hollywood Smothers made enormous offensive contributions through the first three wins of the season, but one group has really aided Bailey's hot start.

After a strong performance in the opener, the team's wide receiver corps hasn't popped on the stat sheets, but helped Bailey out in some key moments. The group's success hasn't gone unnoticed by Doeren.

Aug 28, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren walks out during the warmups prior to the game against East Carolina Pirates at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

A Coach's Support

After the win over Wake Forest, Doeren was asked about the importance of the team's primary weapons in Smothers, Bailey and tight end Justin Joly. The trio thrived throughout the win over the Demon Deacons, but Doeren didn't shower them with all of the praise.

• "There are a lot of weapons over there. Wesley (Grimes), Noah (Rogers), Terrell (Anderson) and Keenan (Jackson) are also weapons, and Teddy (Hoffmann) showed he could make plays in game one," Doeren said.

Rogers led the team with 52 yards on four catches, including some critical receptions for first downs. The improved route running and physicality of Jackson showed up in the Wake Forest game. The sophomore hauled in three passes for 46 yards and a touchdown and nearly had another big play on an incredible catch behind a defender's back, but he landed just out of bounds.

Sep 11, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack wide receiver Noah Rogers (5) recovers after an incomplete pass against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in first half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Luke Jamroz-Imagn Images | Luke Jamroz-Imagn Images

Versatility Showing Up

Much of the discussion during the offseason about the wide receivers centered on their tremendous versatility. Every member of the pass-catching corps for the Wolfpack can do different things well, making for an exciting group. All five players can move inside and outside, forcing defenses like Wake Forest's to defend a number of different looks throughout games.

Bailey has shared the wealth throughout the first three weeks. Grimes and Hoffmann were the primary beneficiaries in the opening week of the season. Since then, Anderson and Rogers have taken over a major share of the targets. Of Bailey's 719 passing yards, 570 have been courtesy of catches by the five key receivers.

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