ESPN Ranks NC State 20th in Their 2024 College Football Preseason Power Rankings

ESPN released their 2024 College Football Preseason Power Rankings today, and slotted NC State at #20.

1. Georgia
2. Ohio St.
3. Oregon
4. Texas
5. Alabama
6. Notre Dame
7. Ole Miss
8. Penn St.
9. Michigan
10. FSU
11. Missouri
12. Utah
13. LSU
14. Tennessee
15. Clemson
16. Kansas St.
17. Oklahoma
18. Oklahoma St.
19. Miami
20. NC State
21. Arizona
22. Texas A&M
23. USC
24. Kansas
25. Iowa

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

No. 20 NC State Wolfpack

NC State has just one 10-win season in program history — all the way back in 2002 with Philip Rivers at QB — but there’s a strong case that this is as talent-rich an offensive unit as any the Wolfpack have had since that season. Along with rising sophomore KC Concepcion, coach Dave Doeren added a host of impact players in the portal this offseason, including center Zeke Correll, tailbacks Jordan Waters and Hollywood Smothers, receiver Noah Rogers, tight end Justin Joly and QB Grayson McCall. NC State is 17-9 over the past two seasons despite myriad QB issues and an offense that has averaged just 25 points per game (85th in FBS) over that span. Instead, the questions might be on defense — a unit that must replace All-American Payton Wilson. The job likely falls to converted safety Sean Brown, but he’ll be flanked by a solid secondary led by Aydan White and a veteran front. NC State’s schedule is another reason for optimism, but the Wolfpack will need to survive an arduous start with Tennessee in Week 2 and Clemson in Week 4 before enjoying the softer slate in October and November. — Hale

Week 1 matchup: vs. Western Carolina on Aug. 29 (7 p.m., ACC Network)

(ESPN)