Athlon Picks NC State to Finish 9th in the ACC

Athlon Sports has released its 2026 ACC preseason predictions, and the publication projects NC State to finish ninth in the conference this fall.

Athlon believes Dave Doeren’s team has the potential to exceed expectations thanks to a favorable schedule and the return of quarterback CJ Bailey.

Athlon’s 2026 ACC Predictions

1. Miami
2. SMU
3. Louisville
4. Clemson
5. Virginia Tech
6. Virginia
7. Pitt
8. Georgia Tech
9. NC State
10. Cal
11. FSU
12. Wake Forest
13. Duke
14. UNC
15. Syracuse
16. Boston College
17. Stanford

Athlon’s Outlook on the Wolfpack

Despite picking NC State ninth, Athlon believes the Wolfpack could outperform that projection.

Here’s what the publication had to say:

“The Wolfpack have won at least eight games in five out of the last six seasons. And with a favorable schedule on tap this fall, coach Dave Doeren’s team has an excellent chance to extend that streak or make a dark horse run at the ACC Championship Game. The return of quarterback CJ Bailey certainly aids that quest, as the junior is among the ACC’s top signal-callers after throwing for 3,105 yards and 25 touchdowns in ‘25. His supporting cast is under renovation with sophomore Jayden Scott expected to fill the void left behind by Hollywood Smothers in the backfield, and just two starters return up front. The top five statistical wide receivers from last season also must be replaced. Doeren also hopes another offseason can help coordinator DJ Eliot find the right answers on defense. The Wolfpack allowed too many big plays and surrendered over six yards a snap and 30 points a game last year. Just two starters are back, so new faces need to quickly emerge for this group to improve in ‘26.” (Athlon)

Athlon points to junior quarterback CJ Bailey as the biggest reason for optimism after his breakout 2025 season.

However, the publication also notes several key questions entering the year, including replacing Hollywood Smothers at running back, rebuilding an offensive line with only two returning starters, and replacing the team’s top five statistical receivers from last season.

Defensively, Athlon believes improvement is necessary after NC State surrendered more than 30 points per game while allowing over six yards per play in 2025.

Athlon’s NC State All-ACC Selections

Six Wolfpack players made Athlon’s Preseason All-ACC Teams:

RB Duke Scott
QB CJ Bailey
IOL Spike Sowells
LB Harvey Dyson
OT Teague Andersen
CB Brian Nelson II

Check out a breakdown here.

Dave Doeren Ranked Eighth Among ACC Coaches

Athlon also ranked Dave Doeren as the No. 8 head coach in the ACC entering the season.

The publication praised the consistency of his tenure in Raleigh.

“Consistent success is the best way to sum up Doeren’s tenure in Raleigh. Since taking over in 2013, the Wolfpack are 95-70 under his watch. NC State has only two losing records over the last 12 years and has qualified for 11 bowl games since ‘14. Doeren has yet to guide NC State to double-digit victories in a season or a trip to the ACC title game. However, winning at least eight games in seven out of the last eight years is a solid resume entering ‘26.” (Link)

Athlon also highlighted that NC State has reached 11 bowl games since 2014 and has won at least eight games in seven of the last eight full seasons.

While Doeren is still searching for his first ACC Championship Game appearance, his sustained success continues to place him among the conference’s most respected coaches.