Since I’m still trying to get over last night’s disappointment, it’s a great time to change the subject. So let’s turn to talking about NC State football’s roster priorities in the weeks leading up to the portal opening.
On the offensive side of the ball, NC State is going to need to replace at least two offensive linemen—Anthony Carter Jr. and Jalen Grant are out of eligibility, and Jacarrius Peak could opt for the NFL Draft. Peak is the second biggest priority for this team after CJ Bailey, assuming there’s a dollar figure that could keep Peak from turning pro. NC State also has to retain Teague Andersen at the other tackle spot regardless, and Spike Sowells is a critical piece as well.
Since Sowells has three years left and can potentially move to center for 2026, he’s going to be expensive. I assume the two tackles will cost $1 million apiece or thereabouts, so let’s just call the overall cost here $2.5 million for the three guys. Bailey is going to at least double his compensation, so let’s estimate his price tag at $3 million.
NC State also needs to re-sign Terrell Anderson and Teddy Hoffman and one of Noah Rogers or Keenan Jackson—if the money works, then retaining all four would be fine, but otherwise just flip a coin between Rogers and Jackson and move on. Because NC State ideally could use an upgrade here, and in fact one might be a requirement for keeping CJ Bailey in Raleigh. This group’s not good enough as it stands. Obviously the secondary factor with this position group is how the staff feels about the guys who’ve yet to get on the field, i.e., Je’Rel Bolder and the increasingly-mythical Jonathan Paylor. If State can bet on Bolder to replace the modest production of Rogers or Jackson, then it can save money there.
At running back, I’m assuming that Hollywood Smothers is going to commit to the NFL Draft—he walked on Senior Day (as did Peak), remember. While I wouldn’t rule anything out, prioritizing him would be rather expensive, what with his being able to use the draft as leverage. Big-time programs can afford to overpay in some places, but NC State is not one of those, obviously. Hollywood’s ability to break tackles is uniquely valuable for a team that cannot run block to save its life, but alas, there is only so much money.
Tight end is tricky because NC State is going to have to address this position in the portal, regardless of Dante Daniels’ status for next season (he’s trying to get an extra year). The money isn’t there for a premium pass catcher at this spot—and there aren’t a lot of those, so they’re going to be overpaid—so State’s going to have to scour the field for a guy who hopefully has more potential than flaws. State could just adjust the offense to one that basically ignores this position entirely—bring in a couple Cody Hardy types and call it a day. Might not be much choice in the matter.
That’ll depend in part on how aggressive NC State wants to be in finding an upgrade for the WR room. And on whether or not CJ Bailey is back, of course. Those two go hand-in-hand, I think, and determine the direction of everything else at the skill positions.
The portal necessities lie at offensive line, but NC State will for sure need to add depth at tight end and running back as well. Man, it’s tough trying to figure this out. Does anyone have like $40 million they want to give to the football program? We need one of those evil oil barons that all the Texas schools have to help us out with this.
