CJ Bailey is the 2nd Best Freshman to Ever Play QB at NC State

When you think of who the best Freshman Quarterback in NC State is, everyone’s answer should be Philip Rivers, and that makes sense.

Rivers holds the school record for passing yards (3054), completions (237) and touchdown passes (25) by a Freshman.

He’s also the GOAT. There has never been a better Quarterback at NC State.

With that being said, the season that CJ Bailey just had is easily the 2nd best season by a Freshman Quarterback in NC State history, in my opinion.

Bailey ranks 2nd in passing yards (2183), 2nd in completions (177) and 3rd in touchdown passes (14). With 1 game for remaining for Bailey in his Freshman season, he has 60 less pass attempts than Rivers did.

There are statistical categories where Bailey’s 1st year is simply better than Rivers’ 1st year.

Bailey has completed 64.1% of his passes this season, which is the best completion percentage in school history, by a whopping 3%. For perspective, Rivers’ completion percentage as a Freshman was 53.7%.

1. CJ Bailey (2024) – 64.1%
2. MJ Morris (2022) – 61.1%
3. Dave Buckey (1972) – 60%

Bailey’s Passing Efficiency Rating is 140.8, which is the highest rating ever by an NC State Freshman. It’s the 8th best Passing Efficiency Rating in a single season by a Wolfpack Quarterback, regardless of class. For perspective, Rivers’ Passing Efficiency Rating as a Freshman was 126.1

Also, I know a Quarterbacks main job is to throw the ball, but when you add in what Bailey has done running the ball this season, the uniqueness of what he has accomplished as a Freshman at NC State becomes more apparent.

Bailey has rushed for 255 yards and 5 touchdowns. With one game remaining, Bailey has 2,438 yards of total offense, which is the 2nd best total by a Wolfpack Freshman.

CJ is responsible for 19 touchdowns with a bowl game left on the slate, which ranks 3rd best Touchdown Responsibility (any position) total by a Freshman in school history. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Bailey add two more touchdowns to that total in the bowl game, which would tie him with Russell Wilson for 2nd place.

We all knew the future was bright in 2000 when Philip Rivers stepped on the field as a Freshman. You just know when a player has that “it” factor.

CJ Bailey has the “it” factor.

He has a bright future in Raleigh, and is the 2nd best Freshman to ever stand behind Center for the Wolfpack.