NC State Adapts Official Visit Schedule Amid Changing Recruiting Landscape

Wolfpack adjusts football recruiting strategy after losing many expected June visitors last year

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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NC State has shifted its football recruiting visit schedule, moving away from relying solely on June weekends after losing many expected visitors last year. The Wolfpack is now hosting official visitors in May and June, with the latest addition being Baltimore four-star edge rusher Joseph Buchanan. The school has also had success recruiting South Carolina prospects through cornerbacks coach Brian Mitchell. In basketball, new coach Will Wade has reset expectations, with a top-four ACC finish, ACC Tournament success, and an NCAA Tournament second-weekend appearance now the key goals.

Why it matters

NC State's adjustments to its official visit schedule highlight the evolving nature of college football recruiting, especially in the NIL era where financial incentives can sometimes trump official visits. The school's strategy shift aims to avoid the high attrition it experienced with June visitors last year. Additionally, the basketball program's new goals under Will Wade reflect the changing landscape, where simply making the NCAA Tournament is no longer enough to satisfy fans' expectations.

The details

NC State essentially had three big football recruiting weekends last June, lining up about 45-50 official visitors. However, the school ended up losing around 60% of those expected visitors by the final June 20-22 weekend, including Matthews (N.C.) Weddington twins Aiden and Andrew Harris, who picked South Carolina instead. Now, the Wolfpack is spreading out its official visits, adding Baltimore four-star edge rusher Joseph Buchanan for a May 8-10 trip. The school is also continuing to pursue South Carolina prospects, with cornerbacks coach Brian Mitchell targeting players like Aidyn Wiggins of Duncan (S.C.) Byrnes. In basketball, new coach Will Wade has reset expectations, with a top-four ACC finish, ACC Tournament success, and an NCAA Tournament second-weekend appearance now the key goals, rather than just making the tournament.

  • NC State had three big football recruiting weekends last June.
  • The June 20-22 weekend lost about 60% of the expected visitors.
  • Matthews (N.C.) Weddington twins Aiden and Andrew Harris picked South Carolina instead of visiting NC State.
  • Baltimore four-star edge rusher Joseph Buchanan is set to officially visit NC State on May 8-10.
  • Duncan (S.C.) Byrnes cornerback Aidyn Wiggins is expected to visit NC State unofficially on March 6.

The players

Joseph Buchanan

A four-star edge rusher from Baltimore, Maryland who is favoring NC State, Notre Dame, and Virginia Tech.

Aidyn Wiggins

A cornerback prospect from Duncan, South Carolina who recently earned his first Power 5 offer from Duke and is expected to visit NC State.

Brian Mitchell

The cornerbacks coach at NC State who has had success recruiting prospects from South Carolina.

Will Wade

The new head basketball coach at NC State who has reset expectations for the program, focusing on a top-four ACC finish, ACC Tournament success, and an NCAA Tournament second-weekend appearance.

Aiden Harris

A defensive lineman from Matthews, North Carolina who committed to South Carolina instead of visiting NC State.

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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

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.