NC State Linebacker Caden Fordham is Returning in 2025

Redshirt Junior starting Linebacker Caden Fordham has re-signed with Savage Wolves, NC State’s Football NIL Branch (as a part of 1Pack), which means he will be returning in 2025 for his final season of eligibility.

Our guy was the ACC’s leader in tackles for linebackers before an injury. Next year is going to be even better! We are PUMPED to announce that @Caden_Fordham has re-signed with Savage Wolves for 2025‼️🐺‼️ pic.twitter.com/qBR4qWXMUB

— SavageWolves (@SavageWolvesNIL) December 7, 2024

Through 6 games, Fordham was not only leading NC State in tackles, but he was also leading the ACC.

Unfortunately, Fordham suffered a season ending injury, didn’t play after NC State’s game against Wake Forest.

In 6 games, Fordham had 48 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 2 pass breakups in his first year as a starter. Fordham plays the MIKE Linebacker position, which means that in the middle of the season, the Wolfpack basically lost the Quarterback of their defense. The MIKE Linebacker prototypically is the member of the defense who wears the headset.

Fordham’s PFF grade on the year was 73.0, which was the 6th best grade on the Wolfpack defense. He had a Tackling grade of 82.5, which was the 2nd best grade on the team (100+ snaps). Fordham was NC State’s best Pass Rusher according to PFF, with a grade of 82.5. He also had the 2nd best Coverage grade on the team, with a grade of 75.2.

If you’re not getting the picture, Fordham was a key part of the Wolfpack defense, and it’s hard to put into words how much his loss impacted the team this year.

Retaining Fordham for his final year of eligibility was a massive priority for NC State this offseason. Fordham is the 5th player to re-sign with Savage Wolves.

CB Brandon Cisse

QB CJ Bailey

RB Hollywood Smothers

LB Sean Brown

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