CJ Bailey Lands In The Sporting News’ Preseason Top-25 Quarterback Rankings

The Sporting News released its Spring 2026 preseason quarterback rankings, and CJ Bailey checked in at No. 25 nationally.

The ranking places Bailey among the top returning quarterbacks in college football and reinforces what many around the ACC already believe: NC State has one of the league’s best signal callers entering the 2026 season.

TSN’s 2026 Top-25 Quarterbacks

1. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
2. Arch Manning, Texas
3. CJ Carr, Notre Dame
4. Darian Mensah, Miami
5. Julian Sayin, Ohio State
6. Dante Moore, Oregon
7. Jayden Maiava, USC
8. Gunner Stockton, Georgia
9. Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
10. Sam Leavitt, LSU
11. Josh Hoover, Indiana
12. Marcel Reed, Texas A&M
13. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
14. Devon Dampier, Utah
15. Demond Williams, Washington
16. Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele, Cal
17. Byrum Brown, Auburn
18. Kevin Jennings, SMU
19. Conner Weigman, Houston
20. Bear Bachmeier, BYU
21. Noah Fifita, Arizona
22. John Mateer, Oklahoma
23. Bryce Underwood, Michigan
24. Rocco Becht, Penn State
25. CJ Bailey, NC State

Here’s what The Sporting News had to say about Bailey:

2025 stats: 3,105 passing yards, 68.8%, 25 TDs, 9 INTs; 215 rushing yards, 6 TDs

Bailey settled in as a second-year starter for the Wolfpack in 2025 and returns as one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC. Bailey had a 50.9% completion percentage with 11 TDs and one interception on passes of 20 yards or more last season, according to PFF.com. Bailey struggled in the losses to Notre Dame and Miami, but he will not face either team this season. Bailey gets a first opportunity in the spotlight for the Aug. 29 season against Virginia in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.