N.C. State football has a mix of returning starters and additions from the transfer portal entering the 2025 season.

Quarterback CJ Bailey , defensive lineman Brandon Cleveland, linebacker Caden Fordham and tight end Justin Joly are among the Wolfpack ’s top returners in Dave Doeren ’s 13th season as head coach.

Coming off a 6-7 record, its first losing season since 2019, N.C. State kicks off the 2025 campaign against in-state rival East Carolina on Thursday, Aug. 28 (7 p.m., ACC Network), at Carter-Finley Stadium. The Wolfpack will try to posts its fifth winning record in the last six seasons.

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