NC State’s 9-2 ACC Start Puts Wolfpack in Historic Territory Not Seen in 52 Years

With each win, NC State Wolfpack continues to walk ground that hasn’t been touched in generations.

After today’s 82-73 victory over Virginia Tech Hokies at the Lenovo Center, the Wolfpack has opened ACC play 9-2 through its first 11 conference games.

How long has it been since NC State started ACC play 9-2?

52 years.

The last time the Wolfpack reached this mark was 1973-74, a season that ended with:

• an undefeated ACC record
• and a National Championship

How rare is this start?

Extremely.

Today’s win marks just the sixth time in 73 seasons that NC State has opened conference play 9-2 or better.

All instances:

• 2025-26: 9-2 (in progress)
• 1973-74: 11-0 (12-0 overall)
• 1972-73: 11-0 (12-0 overall)
• 1958-59: 10-1 (12-2 overall)
• 1955-56: 9-2 (11-3 overall)
• 1954-55: 9-2 (12-2 overall)

That’s it. No filler years. No modern inflation. Just six times in nearly three-quarters of a century.

The previous 5 Wolfpack teams to start the season 9-2 went on to win ACC Championships. All 5.

The atmosphere matched the moment

Wolfpack Nation felt it.

A sold-out Lenovo Center for a Saturday noon tip isn’t normal. It’s a response. A recognition that something uncommon is unfolding.

History isn’t just being referenced.

It’s being revisited.