ESPN Ranks NC State 11th in Preseason College Football Power Rankings

ESPN released their 2022 Preseason College Football Power Rankings this morning, and NC State ranks 11th heading into the season.

1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Georgia
4. Clemson
5. Notre Dame
6. Utah
7. Texas A&M
8. Michigan
9. Oklahoma
10. Baylor
11. NC State
12. USC
13. Oregon
14. Oklahoma State
15. Michigan State
16. Miami
17. Arkansas
18. Wisconsin
19. Pittsburgh
20. Ole Miss
21. Cincinnati
22. Kentucky
23. Texas
24. Houston
25. BYU

Here’s what they had to say about the Wolfpack:

No. 11 NC State Wolfpack

2021 record: 9-3
Opening week game: at East Carolina, Sept. 3
Most important game of the season: at Clemson, Oct. 1

X factor: QB Devin Leary. The Wolfpack have launched an unofficial Heisman campaign for their veteran quarterback, so that tells you all you need to know about why he is the biggest key to their chances this season. While it is true that they have veterans returning across the board on offense and defense, what gives coach Dave Doeren and his players confidence in their potential is what Leary brings to the table — a savvy leader who makes the right plays and rarely turns the ball over (35 touchdowns to just five interceptions a year ago).

Biggest question mark this season: On the field, the Wolfpack have to find a No. 1 receiver to replace Emeka Emezie and a far more consistent ground camp to complement Leary. Off the field, the biggest question surrounds how this team handles the heightened preseason expectations. NC State has traditionally played better when it feels disrespected. But this offseason, there has been far more praise heaped upon the players and the program based on what happened a year ago. How Doeren and the players handle that hype will absolutely be a storyline to watch. — Andrea Adelson (Link)