NC State Football Lineup: 2026 Starters, Key Players and Depth Chart

The NC State football lineup is built around a mix of experienced veterans, returning starters, transfers, and developing young players. The Wolfpack entered the 2026 season with important pieces on both sides of the football, giving the coaching staff several options when building the starting lineup. North Carolina State‘s official 2026 roster includes players across quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, cornerback, and safety positions.

One of the biggest strengths of the current group is experience at key positions. Quarterback CJ Bailey and running back Duke Scott were selected as offensive captains for the 2026 season, while Popo Aguirre, AJ Richardson, and Brian Nelson II were named defensive captains. That leadership structure provides an important foundation for a Wolfpack team looking to compete consistently in the ACC.

NC State Football Lineup at a Glance

The Wolfpack’s projected lineup features CJ Bailey at quarterback, Duke Scott as a leading running back option, and a receiving group led by players such as Keenan Jackson, Joshisa “Jojo” Trader, and Victor Snow. The offensive line has also undergone important adjustments, with Jimarion McCrimon, Yousef Mugharbil, Spike Sowells, Kamen Smith, and Teague Andersen appearing prominently in the 2026 depth-chart picture.

On defense, NC State has experienced linebackers and defensive backs who are expected to play significant roles. The team’s official roster lists Popo Aguirre at inside linebacker, while the secondary includes players such as Brian Nelson II, King Mack, Ronnie Royal III, and others. Because college football depth charts can change based on injuries, matchups, and performance, the exact starting lineup can vary from one game to another.

Quarterback: CJ Bailey

CJ Bailey is one of the most important names in the NC State football lineup. The 6-foot-6 quarterback entered the 2026 season as an experienced leader and was again chosen as an offensive captain by his teammates. His size, arm talent, and familiarity with the Wolfpack system make him a central part of the team’s offensive identity.

Bailey is supported by Will Wilson, who is listed behind him on the quarterback depth chart. Having an experienced backup is important over the course of a long college season because quarterback depth can become especially valuable when injuries or difficult matchups arise.

Running Back: Duke Scott and Davion Gause

The running back position gives NC State multiple options. Duke Scott is listed as the primary running back on the latest depth-chart information, with Davion Gause and Darius Johnson providing additional depth. Scott’s role is particularly important because the Wolfpack offense needs a reliable rushing threat to complement Bailey’s passing ability.

A strong running game can help NC State control possession, reduce pressure on the quarterback, and create more manageable passing situations. Gause also gives the Wolfpack another experienced option, making the running-back room one of the positions worth watching throughout the season.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

The NC State football lineup features an athletic group of wide receivers. Keenan Jackson is listed at the WR-X position, while Joshisa “Jojo” Trader is part of the WR-Z group. Victor Snow is another receiver appearing prominently in the latest depth-chart listings. The roster also includes younger players who could earn more snaps as the season progresses.

At tight end, NC State has several players who can contribute as blockers and receiving targets. This position is increasingly important in modern college football because tight ends can create matchup problems against linebackers and safeties. A versatile tight-end group can also allow the Wolfpack to use multiple formations without completely changing personnel.

Offensive Line

The offensive line is one of the most important components of any NC State football lineup. The latest 2026 depth-chart information lists Jimarion McCrimon at left tackle, Yousef Mugharbil at left guard, Spike Sowells at center, Kamen Smith at right guard, and Teague Andersen at right tackle. Several backups are also listed, providing additional depth across the unit.

The line’s performance could have a direct effect on the entire offense. Protecting Bailey will give him more time to locate receivers, while consistent run blocking can help Scott and the other running backs establish a rhythm. With multiple experienced linemen available, NC State has the potential to develop a dependable front as the season progresses.

Defensive Line and Front Seven

NC State’s defensive lineup is designed to provide pressure while maintaining enough discipline to stop the run. The defensive front includes experienced players and younger contributors competing for playing time. The official 2026 roster lists players such as Joseph Adedire at defensive end and Omarian Abraham at nose guard, illustrating the size and depth available along the front.

The linebackers are another major part of the defense. Popo Aguirre was named one of the team’s defensive captains, highlighting his leadership role. AJ Richardson was also selected as a defensive captain. Their experience and communication will be important when NC State faces offenses capable of changing formations and attacking different areas of the field.

Secondary: Cornerbacks and Safeties

The secondary has several players capable of contributing at cornerback and safety. Brian Nelson II was selected as a defensive captain, while the official roster also lists safeties such as King Mack and Ronnie Royal III. The team also has younger defensive backs competing for roles, which creates useful depth throughout the secondary.

One notable roster development involved cornerback Jamel Johnson, who returned to NC State’s roster for the 2026 season following a court ruling. Johnson started 10 games for the Wolfpack during the previous season and recorded 27 total tackles and five passes defended, giving the secondary another experienced option.

What Makes the 2026 Lineup Interesting?

The biggest attraction of the current NC State football lineup is its combination of leadership and competition. Bailey and Scott give the offense established leaders, while Aguirre, Richardson, and Nelson provide similar leadership on defense. The team also has assistant captains in Keenan Jackson, Kamen Smith, and Isaiah Shirley, showing that leadership extends across several position groups.

Another important factor is roster flexibility. College football teams rarely use exactly the same 22 players throughout a season. Different opponents require different personnel packages, while injuries and player development can alter the depth chart. NC State’s collection of experienced players and younger options gives the coaching staff room to adjust.

Key Players to Watch

Several players deserve particular attention when following the NC State football lineup in 2026:

• CJ Bailey: The starting quarterback and offensive captain.
• Duke Scott: A leading running back and offensive captain.
• Keenan Jackson: An important wide receiver and assistant captain.
• Popo Aguirre: An experienced linebacker and defensive captain.
• AJ Richardson: A defensive captain who adds leadership to the linebacker group.
• Brian Nelson II: A defensive captain in the secondary.
• Kamen Smith: An offensive guard and assistant captain.
• Isaiah Shirley: A defensive tackle and assistant captain.

These players represent the leadership core of the team, but the Wolfpack’s success will ultimately depend on how effectively all position groups perform together.

How the Lineup Could Change During the Season

The word “lineup” can sometimes be misleading in college football because a published depth chart is not necessarily a fixed list of players who will take every snap. Coaches regularly rotate defensive linemen, receivers, defensive backs, and running backs. Injuries can also force immediate changes.

NC State’s 2026 depth chart has already shown some variation between early-season releases and later depth-chart listings. For example, different offensive-line configurations have appeared in different game-week materials. That means fans should check the latest official team information before assuming a particular player will start an upcoming game.

Final Thoughts on the NC State Football Lineup

The NC State football lineup for 2026 features a strong blend of experienced players, team leaders, and emerging talent. CJ Bailey provides stability at quarterback, while Duke Scott gives the offense an important rushing option. The offensive line has several experienced players, and the defense features proven leadership from Popo Aguirre, AJ Richardson, and Brian Nelson II.

For Wolfpack fans, the most important storyline will be how these individual pieces develop into a consistent team. The lineup has enough depth to adapt to different opponents, but success will depend on execution, health, player development, and performance in key ACC matchups. As the season continues, changes to the depth chart are expected, making the latest official roster and game-week lineup the best sources for confirming starters.