The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1544864
MAY/JUNE 2026 ■ 43 It's not a coincidence, either. The line- backer has already emerged as one of NC State's top leaders. It's a tough thing to do, especially as a one-year transfer, but Aguirre has made it look easy. Fellow transfer Harvey Dyson, the standout edge rusher from Tulane, had a rave review for his new teammate. "I think Popo has been doing a really good job of leading us and trying to jell us together," Dyson said. "We've been following his lead." Aguirre wants to set the example for the rest of the unit to follow. From the first-year freshmen who are wide-eyed about everything going on to those who have played meaningful roles at the col- lege level, everyone on the roster can take something from him. For a player whose introduction to NC State was watching Payton Wilson's ev- ery move, it was a striking coincidence that the current Pittsburgh Steelers line- backer was working out just feet away from Aguirre as he spoke to reporters recently. Wilson was one of the best at getting his teammates to embrace one message, and now Aguirre is looking to do the same with the Wolfpack. "The biggest thing is just buying in," he said. "Whoever would have thought Indiana would have made it to the na- tional championship? A whole bunch of guys just bought in. Right now, we're focused on the little things, coming to work every day, doing our stuff so people can see. And, most importantly, winning some games." ■ After posting a career-best 43 tackles at Miami last season, Aguirre entered the transfer portal and signed with NC State. He's expected to be the Pack's starting middle linebacker this coming fall. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS