NC State Wolfpack Surging in Bracketology Ahead of Key Matchup

The Wolfpack have climbed up the seed lines with recent wins, setting up a crucial game against Virginia Tech.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 10:55am

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NC State men's basketball has been making a strong push in bracketology projections, with ESPN's Joe Lunardi slotting the Wolfpack as a No. 7 seed. While the Bracket Matrix average has NC State as an 8-seed, the team has righted the ship with recent Quadrant 1 wins over SMU and Clemson. A victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday could further boost the Wolfpack's NCAA Tournament resume and potentially push them into the AP Top 25 ahead of a road game against Louisville.

Why it matters

NC State's recent success has put them in prime position to potentially earn a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament, which would give them a better path to make a deep run. The Wolfpack have struggled against top competition earlier in the season, so these recent wins have helped solidify their tournament standing.

The details

NC State narrowly defeated SMU on the road on Tuesday, a Quadrant 1 win that has helped propel the Wolfpack up the seed lines in bracketology projections. ESPN's Joe Lunardi has NC State as a No. 7 seed, while the Bracket Matrix average has them as an 8-seed. A win over Virginia Tech on Saturday would give the Wolfpack another solid result over a team with NCAA Tournament aspirations, further boosting their resume.

  • NC State defeated SMU on the road on Tuesday, February 7, 2026.
  • NC State will face Virginia Tech on Saturday, February 11, 2026.
  • The Wolfpack will play a road game against Louisville on Monday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Will Wade

The head coach of the NC State Wolfpack men's basketball team.

Kelvin Sampson

The head coach of the Houston Cougars men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

A victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday would go a long way in earning the Wolfpack some votes in Monday's edition of the AP Poll, potentially pushing the team into the top 25 ahead of the crucial road game against Louisville on Monday.

The takeaway

NC State's recent success has put them in prime position to potentially earn a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament, which would give them a better path to make a deep run. The Wolfpack have righted the ship with recent Quadrant 1 wins, and a victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday could further boost their resume and potentially push them into the AP Top 25.