Gunner Rivers to Wear #17 at NC State

For more than two decades, no NC State player has worn the No. 17 jersey.

Back on November 22, 2003, the Wolfpack officially retired Philip Rivers’ iconic No. 17, ensuring that one of the greatest players in school history would forever be connected to the program.

It looks like that likely will change in 2027.

Gunner, Philip’s son, will enroll at NC State in January of next year, and he seems set on wearing the #17, and has the approval from his father.

NC State retired No. 17 ahead of Philip Rivers’ last home game in 2003. Nobody has worn it since, but 4⭐️ QB commit Gunner Rivers is going to change that in the 2027 season and beyond.

More here: https://t.co/XIJlsW2R6g pic.twitter.com/1TwAVa8i4v

— The Wolfpacker (@TheWolfpacker) June 10, 2026

He looked good wearing #17 in Red and White during his Official Visit to Raleigh recently.

The No. 17 Legacy

Few jersey numbers carry the significance that No. 17 does at NC State.

Philip Rivers rewrote the record books during his career in Raleigh and remains one of the most accomplished players ever to wear the red and white.

His accomplishments eventually led NC State to retire his jersey, a distinction reserved for only the most legendary figures in program history.

Since November 2003, no player has worn No. 17.

Not one.

Enter Gunner Rivers

Just like his father, Gunner wears No. 17.

The younger Rivers currently quarterbacks St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama, where Philip serves as head coach.

It’s impossible not to imagine the scene.

A Rivers taking snaps for NC State.

Running onto the field at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Wearing No. 17.

That’s the kind of storyline Hollywood would reject for being too on the nose.

Not Just A Legacy Recruit

The important thing to remember is that Gunner Rivers isn’t attracting attention simply because of his last name.

He’s one of the most highly regarded recruits NC State has ever landed.

According to 247Sports, Rivers is ranked (2027 recruiting class):

• No. 43 overall player nationally
• No. 4 quarterback nationally
• No. 1 player in Alabama

His ranking ties him as the eighth-highest rated recruit to commit to NC State during the modern recruiting rankings era.

In other words, he’s a major recruiting win even if his last name were anything else.

Elite Junior Season

Rivers backed up the recruiting hype with tremendous production during his junior season.

2025 Statistics

• 69.1% completion percentage
• 3,176 passing yards
• 46 touchdowns
• 5 interceptions
• 131.8 passer rating

Junior Highlights