NC State Has to Capitalize on Weak Strength of Schedule

NC State may not be generating a ton of preseason buzz entering the 2026 season, but the Wolfpack has one major advantage working in its favor.

The schedule.

According to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI), NC State owns the 66th-ranked strength of schedule nationally entering the season.

Among Power Four programs, that ranks second-easiest in the country.

Within the ACC, the Wolfpack has the easiest schedule.

A Favorable Path

Strength of schedule doesn’t guarantee wins.

But it certainly helps.

With one of the nation’s most manageable schedules, NC State has an opportunity to build momentum early and position itself for another strong season under Dave Doeren.

The Wolfpack returns one of the ACC’s top quarterbacks in CJ Bailey, while adding significant talent through the Transfer Portal.

If the newcomers mesh quickly, the schedule provides a favorable opportunity to outperform preseason expectations.

Vegas Likes the Wolfpack

Oddsmakers have set NC State’s regular-season win total at 7.5 victories.

Considering ESPN views the Wolfpack’s schedule as one of the easiest among all Power Four programs, the over becomes an intriguing proposition.

NC State has consistently exceeded expectations under Dave Doeren, winning at least eight games in five of the last six seasons.

The combination of an experienced quarterback, an upgraded roster, and a favorable schedule gives the Wolfpack a legitimate opportunity to reach that mark again.

Better yet, could this be the year NC State manages to win 10 games for only the second time in school history, and for the first time under Dave Doeren.

Every season brings surprises.

A favorable schedule only matters if a team takes advantage of it.

But entering 2026, few Power Four programs have a clearer path to a strong record than NC State.