The NC State Wolfpack had a rough season this past year. The Wolfpack finished with a record of 6-7, good enough to get to a bowl game, but ultimately, the team lost to East Carolina. Meanwhile, the Virginia Cavaliers started off the 2024 season hot at 4-1, but finished the season on a low note.
As the new season approaches, eyes are on both ACC teams again, and let’s just say the two are making sure that they deliver, at least with baby steps.
Underlooked Wolfpack, Cavaliers Making Big Offseason Moves
NC State Making Big Offseason Moves On Defense
The NC State Wolfpack’s most significant weakness last season was its defense. They ranked 264th in the country with 392 points allowed. That was 21 more points allowed than points scored they had last season.
Their defense continued to suffer as their best defensive player, safety Bishop Fitzgerald, transferred to the USC Trojans. Last season, he recorded three interceptions, 7.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and an honorable mention for the All-ACC team, so losing him will be a tough blow.
This is a BIG BIG BIG one. Bishop Fitzgerald is a Trojan!!! BOOM!
2024 stats:
55 Tackles
7.5 TFLs
8 PBUs
1 FF
3 INT
All-ACC Honorable Mention pic.twitter.com/TuyXUNxXX3— Nico (@USC_Nico) January 14, 2025
NC State HC Dave Doeren knows defense was an issue this past season and could have been even more so with Fitzgerald’s loss. He and his staff hit the transfer portal hard, looking to bring in impactful defensive talent.
Some of the talent he landed was Cian Slone, who had 9.5 tackles for loss this past season with Utah State; Sabastian Harsh, an All-Mountain West honorable mention; cornerback Brian Nelson II from North Texas; edge rusher Joseph Adedire from Texas Tech; and many others.
In addition, they have a decent core offensively returning, including quarterback C.J. Bailey, who threw 17 touchdowns as a freshman. With a year of ACC play under his belt, Bailey is a potential breakout candidate who can perform much better.
Alongside Bailey is running back Hollywood Smothers, who had 571 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Also, wide receiver Noah Rogers, who had 478 receiving yards, and tight end Justin Joly, with 661 yards and four touchdowns, are returning as well.
Virginia Turning Over A New Leaf Through Transfer Portal
The Virginia Cavaliers started the 2024 season hot, but gave it away by losing six of their next seven and finishing the season at 5-7.
Things got worse for the Cavaliers as they lost their top two players to the NFL and the transfer portal. Safety Jonas Sanker was drafted in the third round by the New Orleans Saints, and wide receiver Malachi Fields transferred to Notre Dame.
One of their biggest needs in the transfer portal was a quarterback. They were able to land Chandler Morris from North Texas, who threw 31 touchdowns this past season. He will provide much-needed stability and experience at that position. In addition, they also landed a few offensive linemen in the portal who would start in hopes of protecting Morris.
With so much roster turnover, the Cavaliers brought in 31 transfers out of the transfer portal. Their 31 transfers are headlined by cornerback Emmanuel Karnley from Miami, FL, with three years of eligibility remaining, offensive tackle Wallace Unamba from Kentucky, and safety Christian Charles from Tennessee.
However, the highest-rated transfer for the Cavaliers this upcoming season is four-star offensive tackle Monroe Mills from Louisville.
After losing Fields to Notre Dame, head coach Tony Elliott worked diligently to build the best possible offense surrounding Morris. With tons of offensive line help, he also helped bring in some people for Morris to throw to.
After losing Fields, the Cavaliers needed a top target, so they brought in two guys who could be Morris’s favorite target. One of them is 6’3 in four-star talent Jahmal Edrine, formerly of Purdue University.
The other is a type of receiver who, at just 5’10, would most likely be utilized in the slot in three-star wide receiver Cam Ross, formerly of James Madison.
This reloaded Virginia team could make some noise in the ACC. They will most likely not compete for an ACC Championship or playoffs, but they could get to a bowl game for the first time since 2021 and potentially have a winning record for the first time since 2019.
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