CJ Bailey Has the Best Career Passing Efficiency Rating in NC State History

Quarterback CJ Bailey just wrapped up his second season at NC State, helping lead the Wolfpack to a victory over Memphis in the Gasparilla Bowl yesterday. In just two seasons, Bailey has already established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in NC State history.

Bailey finished the year with a passing efficiency rating of 150.7, which is the third-best single-season mark in Wolfpack history. Over the past two seasons, Bailey has recorded two of the top-10 single-season passing efficiency ratings in program history.

Best Passing Efficiency Rating in a Single Season

1. Philip Rivers – 170.49 (2003)
2. Devin Leary – 157.1 (2021)
3. CJ Bailey – 150.7 (2025)
4. Dave Buckey – 149.26 (1974)
5. Devin Leary – 148.33 (2020)
6. Ryan Finley – 148.03 (2018)
7. Russell Wilson – 147.77 (2009)
8. CJ Bailey – 144.00 (2024)
9. Philip Rivers – 141.07 (2002)
10. Bailey Hockman – 138.08 (2020)

And while that’s impressive, do you realize Bailey’s career passing efficiency rating of 147.8 ranks first in program history?

Best Career Passing Efficiency Rating

1. CJ Bailey – 147.8 (2024-25)
2. Philip Rivers – 144.16 (2000-2003)
3. Ryan Finley – 140.03 (2016-18)
4. Devin Leary – 139.02 (2019-22)
5. Russell Wilson – 135.47 (2008-10)
6. Jacoby Brissett – 133.39 (2014-15)
7. Dave Buckey – 133.12 (1972-75)
8. Mike Glennon – 132.31 (2009-12)
9. Terry Harvey – 128.71 (1991, 93-95)
10. Terry Jordan – 127.19 (1990-92)

After two seasons, Bailey’s 5,518 career passing yards and 469 completions rank eighth in school history. His career average of 7.89 yards per attempt ranks second, and his six 300-yard games rank sixth in program history.