NC State Football Standouts Emerge in Spring Practice

Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren highlights key players making an impression so far.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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NC State's spring football practice is underway, and head coach Dave Doeren has already identified several players, both new and returning, who have stood out in the early going. The Wolfpack is looking to build on their Gasparilla Bowl victory over Memphis as they work to integrate more than 40 newcomers into the program.

Why it matters

Spring practice is a crucial time for college football teams to evaluate talent, develop chemistry, and lay the groundwork for the upcoming season. NC State's ability to quickly integrate new players and get key returning contributors to elevate their game will be critical to the Wolfpack's success in 2026.

The details

According to Doeren, the Wolfpack is focused on getting their returning players to "be better than they were and up their game, from a leadership standpoint," while also ensuring the 40-plus newcomers can "do that for you." The coach has been impressed with the progress made by both veteran and new players through the first five practice sessions.

  • NC State's spring practice session is underway.
  • The Wolfpack is already a third of the way through its 15-practice slate, with session No. 5 concluding on Thursday afternoon.

The players

Dave Doeren

The 14th-year head coach of the NC State Wolfpack football team.

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What they’re saying

“You want your returners to be better than they were and up their game, from a leadership standpoint, and then you want your new guys that you're counting on to be able to do that for you.”

— Dave Doeren, Head Coach (on3.com)

The takeaway

NC State's spring practice is off to a promising start as the Wolfpack looks to build on last season's Gasparilla Bowl victory and integrate a large influx of new talent into the program. The early standouts, both returning players and newcomers, will be key to the team's success in the 2026 season.