QB CJ Bailey Announces Return to NC State for 2026 Season

HOLY COW! Quarterback CJ Bailey announced today that he will be returning to NC State for his Junior season in 2026!

 

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With the Transfer Portal officially opening today, NC State fans had every reason to be nervous.

We already knew 13 Wolfpack players were entering the Portal heading into today: Offensive Lineman Brock Stukes, Safety Zack Myers, Linebacker Kelvon McBride, Wide Receiver Noah Rogers, Wide Receiver Terrell Anderson, Safety Daemon Fagan, Wide Receiver Jimmar Boston, Linebacker Elijah Groves, Wide Receiver Christian Zachary, Running Back Hollywood Smothers, Defensive End Justin Terrell, Defensive End Josh Alexander-Felton and Offensive Lineman Val Erickson.

NC State had already lost 1st Team All-ACC Running Back Hollywood Smothers and leading receiver Terrell Anderson.

Would Bailey be next?

CJ was obviously NC State’s top priority to retain this offseason, and they got the job done.

This season, Bailey completed 68.8% of his passes for 3,105 yards and 25 touchdowns (9 interceptions). His Passing Efficiency rating was 150.7, which is the third best single-season rating in school history.

Bailey’s career Passing Efficiency Rating of 147.8 is the best in the history of NC State football.