NC State Sets Depth Chart Ahead of ECU Showdown
The stage is set in Raleigh as NC State gears up for a heated season opener against in-state rival East Carolina. The Wolfpack released their official depth chart just hours before kickoff at Carter-Finley Stadium, and it’s already drawing plenty of attention. What stands out is the youth on offense, where six sophomores are stepping into starting roles. Among them is quarterback CJ Bailey, who will take the reins in his second year with the program. He’ll be joined by running back Hollywood Smothers, wide receivers Noah Rogers and Keenan Jackson, right guard Kamen Smith, and right tackle Teague Andersen.
On the other side of the ball, experience is the theme. NC State’s defense is loaded with veterans, with 11 of the 12 listed starters in at least their fourth year of college football. That includes a mix of graduate students, seniors, and redshirt juniors who are expected to bring stability and leadership to a unit that will be tested early. The exception is at free safety, where redshirt freshman Ronnie Royal II has been given the nod as a starter.
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This matchup is more than just a season opener—it’s a continuation of unfinished business. These two teams last clashed in the 2024 Military Bowl, where ECU pulled out a 26–21 win in a game that spiraled into chaos with a late-game brawl. The fallout from that fight still lingers, as NC State will be without nose tackle Brandon Cleveland and right guard Val Erickson for the first half of tonight’s contest. Head coach Dave Doeren made it clear earlier this week that what happened then “can’t happen and won’t happen” again.
Adding to the drama is the anticipation in Raleigh. Carter-Finley is sold out, with thousands of fans expected to fill the stadium for the rematch. ECU will be looking to prove that last year’s victory wasn’t a fluke, while NC State will be hungry for revenge in front of its home crowd. The contrast between NC State’s young offense and seasoned defense could make for an intriguing storyline as the game unfolds.
For fans unable to be at the stadium, the action won’t be hard to find. The game is being broadcast nationally on the ACC Network, with streaming options available through Fubo and ESPN. Radio listeners can also follow along on SiriusXM channels 85 and 371.
When the ball kicks off at 7 p.m., it won’t just be about a win or a loss. For NC State, it’s about setting the tone for 2025 and proving lessons were learned from last year’s painful ending. For ECU, it’s a chance to spoil a rival’s opener once again and remind the state that the Pirates can’t be overlooked. Either way, this early-season matchup already feels like it has postseason weight.
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