NC State Adds Two Transfers, Roster Now at 95 Scholarship Players for 2026

NC State continued to reshape its 2026 football roster this week with the addition of two key transfer commitments from Miami: linebacker Raul Aguirre and wide receiver Joshisa Trader.

The pair bolster both sides of the ball and bring the Wolfpack’s scholarship total to 95 players heading into the 2026 season. With the NCAA officially increasing the scholarship limit from 85 to 105, NC State still has flexibility to add depth ahead of fall camp.

Trader arrives in Raleigh with two years of eligibility remaining, while Aguirre has one year left. Both players come from a Power Four program and are expected to compete for immediate roles within their respective position groups.

Roster Breakdown by Eligibility

With the latest additions, NC State’s roster now reflects a healthy balance of experience and long-term development:

• 1 year remaining: 13 players
• 2 years remaining: 15 players
• 3 years remaining: 29 players
• 4 years remaining: 38 players

That breakdown gives the Wolfpack strong continuity moving forward, with nearly 70 percent of the roster eligible to return for at least two more seasons.

What It Means for NC State

The updated numbers highlight a clear roster-building philosophy under the current staff. NC State has leaned heavily into high school recruiting while strategically using the transfer portal to fill immediate needs – particularly at linebacker and wide receiver.

Aguirre adds depth and experience to a linebacker room that has been reshaped this offseason, while Trader gives the offense another athletic receiving option with proven production and familiarity with CJ Bailey.

With 95 scholarship players currently on the roster, NC State still has room to maneuver before reaching the new 105-player limit. That flexibility could prove important as spring practice unfolds and additional roster decisions are made.

A full positional breakdown of the Wolfpack’s 2026 roster — including years of eligibility for every player — can be found below.