NC State Football’s Highest Graded Players in the ACC

The PFF 2025 All-ACC Football Teams haven’t been released yet, but before they drop, here’s a look at which NC State players rank the highest compared to other ACC players.

Nine Wolfpack players rank in the Top-10 at their respective positions.

Sophomore Quarterback CJ Bailey has a PFF grade of 71.1, which is the 12th-best grade in the ACC.

Redshirt Sophomore Running Back Hollywood Smothers might have earned a spot on the Official All-ACC First Team, but he has just the 10th-best PFF grade. Smothers’ partner in crime, Redshirt Freshman Duke Scott, is actually the highest-graded Wolfpack Running Back, ranking 5th in the ACC with a grade of 80.2.

Sophomore Wide Receiver Terrell Anderson’s grade of 74.5 ranks 12th in the conference.

NC State has the two highest-graded Tight Ends in the ACC. Senior Justin Joly earned a spot on the Official All-ACC First Team, but he’s not the highest-graded Tight End according to PFF. Senior Cody Hardy’s grade of 78.5 is the highest of any Tight End in the conference. Despite the fact that Hardy isn’t a “receiving” Tight End, there’s no denying his impact as a blocker this season as a member of the Wolfpack. Joly’s grade of 76.4 is the second-highest grade by a Tight End in the conference, according to PFF.

Redshirt Senior Center Jalen Grant ranks 10th in the ACC with a grade of 63.4.

True Freshman Spike Sowells Jr.’s grade of 68.4 ranks 8th out of all ACC Guards. Considering there are 17 ACC teams, and each one starts two guards, it’s pretty incredible for Sowells Jr. to rank in the top 10 as a true freshman.

Redshirt Junior Jacarrius Peak ranks 5th out of all ACC Tackles, with a PFF grade of 76.4. Peak earned Official All-ACC Honorable Mention honors.

Senior Cornerback Devon Marshall was robbed of a spot on the Official All-ACC Teams. His PFF grade of 88.8 ranks 2nd in the ACC.

Redshirt Senior Defensive End Sabastian Harsh’s PFF grade of 83.2 ranks 8th in the conference.