NC State Men's Soccer Aims to Return to National Championship

After making their first-ever title game appearance, the Wolfpack face a challenge to build on their success.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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NC State men's soccer made a surprise run to the national championship game last season, but now faces the challenge of replacing key contributors and building on that success. Head coach Marc Hubbard is focused on blending experienced players with a mix of young talent and new recruits this spring, as the team works to contend for an ACC title and return to the College Cup in the fall.

Why it matters

NC State's deep NCAA Tournament run was a breakthrough moment for the program, but maintaining that level of success will be difficult. The Wolfpack must replace their leading scorer and the top overall MLS draft pick from last year's squad, while integrating a large influx of new players. Hubbard knows the path back to the national championship will be tougher, but believes in the culture and standards he's building in Raleigh.

The details

After falling 3-2 in overtime to Washington in the national title game, Hubbard is working to reset his team this spring. The Wolfpack are in the midst of their five-game Carolina Cup scrimmage schedule, blending experienced returners with 5 mid-year enrollees and expecting to add 12-14 more freshmen, transfers and international players over the summer. Hubbard is focused on developing leadership, holding players accountable, and ensuring the younger talent is ready to step up and fill the significant production lost from last year's roster.

  • 10 weeks ago, NC State lost to Washington 3-2 in overtime in the national championship game.
  • This spring, NC State is playing a 5-game scrimmage schedule as part of the Carolina Cup.

The players

Marc Hubbard

The veteran head coach who took over the NC State program two seasons ago and led them to their first-ever national championship appearance.

Donavan Phillip

The nation's leading goal scorer last season and winner of the MAC Hermann Trophy, who has departed for the professional ranks.

Nikola Markovic

The No. 1 overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft, who was selected by D.C. United after anchoring the NC State defense.

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What they’re saying

“It's not going to get any easier for us. When we take over a program and we're rising, it's easier to change that culture quickly. And then when you get to the top, there's only a little bit more. That's the hardest piece. … To get back here, is a big challenge.”

— Marc Hubbard, Head Coach (on3.com)

“Nothing changes. We're trying to build some good players from within that need to step up and fill those roles. We have to go out and find some replacements within the entire world, I would say.”

— Marc Hubbard, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.