Duke Scott Awarded NC State’s Prestigious No. 1 Jersey

At NC State, players don’t choose to wear the No. 1 jersey.

They earn it.

Since 2014, Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren has personally selected one player each season to wear the program’s most prestigious number.

NC State announced today that redshirt sophomore running back Duke Scott will wear the No. 1 jersey for the 2026 season.

More Than A Jersey Number

The No. 1 jersey is not awarded based solely on talent or production.

As Doeren has explained previously, the number is reserved for a player who:

“Exhibits an elite work ethic and practice and training habits, while also leading his teammates. This player doesn’t just uphold the standards. He pushes them higher.”

That’s why receiving the No. 1 jersey is viewed as one of the highest honors within the program.

Doeren’s Thoughts

Doeren had high praise for Scott after the announcement.

“Since he first stepped on campus, Duke has been consistent in his work ethic, habits and pursuit of excellence. He leads by example both on and off the field, and I’m looking forward to watching him continue to grow as a player and as a leader.” (GP)

The selection is noteworthy for another reason.

Scott becomes the youngest player ever to receive the No. 1 jersey during the Doeren era.

Breakout Season Incoming?

Even while serving as the backup to Hollywood Smothers last season, Scott showed flashes of becoming one of the ACC’s most explosive running backs.

2025 Statistics

581 rushing yards

4 rushing touchdowns

5.5 yards per carry

15 receptions

132 receiving yards

Now as the cemented starter, Scott enters 2026 as one of the most intriguing offensive players on NC State’s roster.

One Of College Football’s Freakiest Athletes

Before last season even began, Scott earned national attention by landing on Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks List at No. 66.

The athletic testing numbers are eye-popping:

375-pound power clean

550-pound squat

37.5-inch vertical jump

4.35-second 40-yard dash

4.23 shuttle

Keep in mind, those are last years numbers.

Scott was also one of Georgia’s top high school sprinters before arriving in Raleigh.

I expect Duke will find his way back onto Feldman’s list heading into the 2026 season.

The Legacy Of No. 1

The No. 1 jersey has become one of the most respected traditions in the program under Doeren.

Recent recipients include:

Year Player
2025 Caden Fordham (LB)
2024 Davin Vann (DE)
2023 Davin Vann (DE)
2022 Isaiah Moore (LB)
2021 Isaiah Moore (LB)
2020 Isaiah Moore (LB)
2019 James Smith-Williams (DE)
2018 Stephen Louis (WR)
2017 Jaylen Samuels (TE/H)
2016 Jaylen Samuels (TE)
2015 Hakim Jones (SAF)
2014 Jarvis Byrd (CB)

That’s an impressive list of leaders and program cornerstones.

Now Duke Scott joins it.

Final Thought

The No. 1 jersey doesn’t guarantee production.

But it does tell you what the coaching staff thinks about a player.

Dave Doeren has coached hundreds of players at NC State.

This year, he picked Duke Scott.

That should tell Wolfpack fans everything they need to know about how highly the staff views the young running back heading into 2026.