NC State coach says quarterback CJ Bailey could be the best in the country after 8-5 season

NC State coach Dave Doeren said quarterback CJ Bailey could be the best in the country ahead of the 2026 season. The junior, who stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 220 pounds, attended the Manning Passing Academy and has drawn attention for his development.

Bailey completed 68.8 percent of his passes in 2025, finishing third in the ACC, while throwing for 25 touchdowns and running for six more.

The Wolfpack finished 8-5 that year. His 22 career starts rank fifth among Power conference quarterbacks at one school. Bailey entered college at nearly 195 pounds and has added 25 pounds since. Doeren noted the added size has increased Bailey's willingness to run the ball.

"You heard him talk about running the ball now. He used to be a stick," Doeren said. Bailey, a Miami native, stayed at NC State despite transfer portal interest from other programs. Several teammates departed, including tailback Hollywood Smothers to Texas, receiver Noah Rogers to Alabama and receiver Terrell Anderson to USC.

Doeren said he has reframed conversations about those departures to avoid negativity. NC State has not produced a first-round NFL Draft quarterback since Philip Rivers went fourth overall in 2004. Bailey told ESPN he expects the team to win more games and said he aims to spread the ball out more while using his legs in critical situations.