CBS Sports Ranks NC State’s CJ Bailey as the #2 QB in the ACC Heading Into 2026

CBS Sports recently released their early 2026 Preseason Quarterback Rankings, and NC State Junior CJ Bailey ranked 2nd.

CBS Sports 2026 Early Preseason Quarterback Rankings

1. Darian Mensah, Miami
2. CJ Bailey, NC State
3. Kevin Jennings, SMU
4. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, Cal
5. Mason Heintschel, Pitt
6. Ethan Grunkemeyer, Virginia Tech
7. Steve Angeli, Syracuse
8. Lincoln Kienholz, Louisville
9. Christopher Vizzina, Clemson
10. Beau Pribula, Virginia
11. Gio Lopez, Wake Forest
12. Ashton Daniels, Florida State
13. Walker Eget, Duke
14. Billy Edwards Jr., North Carolina
15. Alberto Mendoza, Georgia Tech
16. Mason McKenzie, Boston College
17. Davis Warren, Stanford

CBS Sports’ Analysis of Bailey

Ever since Grayson McCall got injured in Week 2 of the 2024 season, Bailey has asserted himself as a budding star at NC State. Last season, at the age of 19, he totaled 3,310 yards and 31 touchdowns. Now entering his junior season, Bailey has the potential to take another step forward in his development, which is bad news for the rest of the ACC.

If there’s one thing Bailey needs to prove in 2026, it’s his ability to elevate his game against the best opponents on the Wolfpack’s schedule. Eight of Bailey’s nine interceptions came against Duke, Notre Dame and Miami. (CBS)

Bailey’s Impact at NC State

This past 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.