NC State's Teddy Hoffmann Suspended for 2026 Season

Star wide receiver faces one-year ban for violating NCAA rules on performance-enhancing substances

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:40am

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A cubist-style painting featuring a football player broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in navy, green, and orange, conveying the disruption caused by a key player's suspension.A fractured, cubist depiction of a football player in mid-play symbolizes the fragmented impact of a star player's suspension on the team's season.Today in Raleigh

NC State wide receiver Teddy Hoffmann has been suspended for the entire 2026 season after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance. The suspension comes as a major blow to the Wolfpack's offense, which was already facing challenges in replacing its top receivers from last year.

Why it matters

Hoffmann's suspension leaves a significant void in NC State's passing attack and will force the team to rely on a group of transfer portal additions to fill the gap. The situation also highlights the importance of NCAA rules and the consequences athletes can face for violating them, even unintentionally.

The details

As a true freshman in 2025, Hoffmann made an immediate impact, recording 25 receptions for 359 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw a 59-yard touchdown pass on a trick play, showcasing his versatility. However, Hoffmann has now been suspended for the entire 2026 season after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, a violation of NCAA rules.

  • Hoffmann tested positive for the banned substance in March 2026.
  • The NCAA announced Hoffmann's one-year suspension on April 12, 2026.
  • Hoffmann will miss the entire 2026 season and be eligible to return in 2027.

The players

Teddy Hoffmann

A rising star wide receiver for the NC State Wolfpack who was suspended for the 2026 season after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance.

Dave Doeren

The head coach of the NC State Wolfpack, who emphasized the importance of athletes checking with medical staff before taking any medication or supplement.

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What they’re saying

“We must emphasize the importance of our student-athletes checking with our sports medicine staff before taking any medication or supplement. Even the most talented athletes can make mistakes, and we need to ensure they understand the consequences.”

— Dave Doeren, Head Coach, NC State Wolfpack

What’s next

Hoffmann will be eligible to return to the Wolfpack in 2027, and the team will be closely monitoring his progress and development during his suspension. The Wolfpack will also need to determine how to best replace Hoffmann's production on the field in the upcoming 2026 season.

The takeaway

This situation serves as a reminder of the strict NCAA rules regarding performance-enhancing substances and the consequences athletes can face for violating them. It also highlights the importance of education and awareness among athletes about the risks associated with these substances, as well as the need for a culture of integrity and fair play in college athletics.