Where NC State Sits in Ranking by The Athletic

Where Athletic writer Chris Vannini ranked the Wolfpack in his FBS college team ranking

Nov 21, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren after a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The athletic ranked every college football team for the 2025 season, 136. Senior Writer Chris Vannini was tasked with the job, and it's not easy. Here's where he had the Wolfpack. 

No. 52 

NC State misses out on the top-50, but is ahead of other ACC teams like Syracuse, Boston College and Virginia. Here's what Vannini had to say about the Wolfpack in 2025. 

"Quarterback CJ Bailey is a good foundational piece and has some weapons around him. This program is consistently in bowl games and should make another this year." 

The consensus around the media is that CJ Bailey is leading this team to another bowl game appearance. A lot is riding on his shoulders to take the next step, but even if he doesn't, the Wolfpack has reliable weapons around him to make it happen.

Tight end Justin Joly will be a perfect security blanket for Bailey. The two already showcased a reliable connection in 2024, and hope to make even bigger strides in 2025. 

Nov 9, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Justin Joly (15) runs with the ball while Duke Blue Devils safety Jaylen Stinson (2) tackles him during the first half of the game at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Joly is also getting preseason recognition; he was named to preseason watch lists for the Bilenifkoff and John Mackey awards. Biletnikoff goes to the best pass catcher in college football, and John Mackey to the tight end. Both impressive lists to get on. 

Outside of Joly, there's another prominent playmaker on the Wolfpack offense. Hollywood Smothers is ready to take the reins on the backfield and prove he can be the lead back in this offense. Last year, he was a backup to Jordan Waters, but now the spotlight is on him. 

With a name like Hollywood, it shouldn't be surprising. He was second among ACC running backs in yards per attempt with 89 attempts this season. He did not get as much volume as others, but he always found space when he touched the ball. 

NC State opponents 

North Carolina is ranked at No. 50, beating out NC State on this list.

Vannini: "No one's quite sure what to expect from Bill Belichick's team, especially with so much roster turnover, but South Alabama QB transfer Gio Lopez is talented."

Sep 28, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; South Alabama Jaguars quarterback Gio Lopez (7) reacts to a penalty during the second half against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

No one quite knows what to expect from the Tar Heels, but for certain, by the time the Wolfpack matches up with them, the defense will have settled into the schemes Belichick is presenting to them. 

No surprise here, but the highest-ranked opponent for the Wolfpack is Notre Dame at No. 6. The team still doesn't have a starting quarterback, which could be concerning, but running back Jeremiyah Love and the offensive line still will make the Irish a top team in college football. 

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