The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1545830
TRACKING THE PACK JULY/AUGUST 2026 ■ 19 He's a Canadian who has been here a while, but he's probably more Southern now. … He listens to country music and likes cow- boy boots and stuff like that. He's a great kid that the whole NC State fan base will like. He's a nasty dude. He's the first guy you pick when you're in a fight." — Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School coach Derek White on recent NC State commit JACOB BURNS, a three-star offensive lineman who attends high school in Georgia but is from Kingston, Ontario 56th Christian Hammond's spot on ESPN's list of the top 100 transfers in college basketball this year. The sophomore shooting guard, formerly of Santa Clara, is expected to team with Hofstra transfer Preston Edmead in the Pack's 2026-27 backcourt. "Both are capable scorers and 3-point shooters who should work well alongside one another," ESPN's Jeff Borzello noted. NC State hopes to take a step forward in a critical season for the pro- gram. Bailey looks ready to make the third-year jump under center, and the program's two second-year coordinators are ready to build off the momentum they enjoyed at the end of 2025. Look for a defense that flies around the field, with a high-tempo offense to complement it." — Athlon Sports The goal this year is to break thru and get to double digit wins (last time was 2002). QB Bailey should be one of the ACC's best, but the defense does have only 2 starters back from last year. The schedule … is favorable as they avoid Miami, Clemson and SMU. I can paint a scenario where they are even or favored in their first 10 games, as they face the #60 schedule, and that could have them contending in the ACC." — Phil Steele Even though there's not a long list of returning starters for the Wolfpack, there is some key continuity that could be a boost. NC State has both its coordinators from a year ago in place as well. Finishing last season on a three-game winning streak, including a bowl victory for the first time since 2017, provided momentum." — Lindy's Sports The Wolfpack have too much work to do to make this the year that they finally post a double-digit win total. Unless Bailey emerges as a star, they might struggle to even go .500 in confer- ence play." — David Schoenholt, The Sporting News PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM