2025-11-08 10:00

As a longtime college football analyst who’s spent years breaking down game film and tracking player development, I’ve always believed that the difference between a good season and a great one often comes down to a handful of key performers. This year, the NC State Wolfpack enters the 2023 campaign with a roster that blends veteran leadership and explosive young talent, and I’m genuinely excited about their potential. Watching them reminds me a bit of the dynamic you see in international tournaments—like that tough Group A in the recent FIBA Asia Cup, where two-time champion Australia had to battle through what many called the ‘Group of Death’ alongside Korea, Lebanon, and Qatar. Just as Australia couldn’t afford any weak links in that brutal group, NC State will need its top players to consistently deliver in every single game if they want to survive the ACC grind and make some noise nationally.

Let’s start with Devin Leary, the guy under center. I’ve followed his career since his high school days, and I’ll be honest—I think he’s one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country. Last season, he threw for 3,433 yards and 35 touchdowns, and what stands out to me isn’t just the arm talent but his decision-making under pressure. I remember watching the Clemson game last October where, despite the defense bringing constant pressure, Leary completed 68% of his passes and didn’t turn the ball over once. That kind of poise is rare. If he stays healthy—and I believe he will—he’s not just a dark horse Heisman candidate; he’s the engine of this offense. The Wolfpack will go as far as Leary takes them, much like how Australia leaned on their veteran leaders to navigate that Group of Death. You need that one player who can elevate everyone around him, and for NC State, that’s Leary.

Then there’s Payton Wilson, a linebacker who I’ve been hyping up since his freshman year. At 6’4” and 240 pounds, he’s got the size and speed to dominate, but it’s his football IQ that really sets him apart. Last year, before his season was cut short by injury, Wilson was averaging nearly 11 tackles per game. I spoke with one of NC State’s defensive coaches back in spring, and he told me Wilson has been studying film like a pro—sometimes until 2 a.m.—which doesn’t surprise me one bit. Watching him diagnose plays feels like watching a chess master; he’s always a step ahead. In my view, if Wilson stays on the field for all 12 games, he’s a lock for first-team All-ACC honors and could easily rack up 120-plus tackles. The defense simply isn’t the same without him, and his presence alone could swing at least two close games in State’s favor.

On the offensive line, I’m keeping a close eye on Bryson Speas. Offensive linemen don’t always get the spotlight, but Speas is the kind of player who makes everything click. He allowed just one sack all of last season while starting every game at right tackle, and his ability to pull and lead block in the run game is something I genuinely enjoy watching. I’ve always had a soft spot for linemen who play with a mean streak but also exhibit technical precision—Speas checks both boxes. In fact, I’d argue he’s the most consistent lineman in the ACC outside of Clemson’s roster. If NC State plans to establish the run early and protect Leary in obvious passing situations, Speas will be the anchor they rely on, much like how teams in tough groups—think Australia versus Qatar in that FIBA scenario—lean on their most reliable big men to control the tempo.

At receiver, I’m particularly excited about Thayer Thomas. He might not have the prototypical size of a five-star recruit, but he’s as sure-handed as they come. Last season, he hauled in 51 catches for 596 yards, and what impressed me most was his ability to make contested catches in traffic. I rewatched the North Carolina game from November, and on third-and-8 late in the fourth quarter, Thomas made a leaping grab over two defenders that essentially sealed the win. Those are the moments that define a season. Personally, I think he’s one of the most clutch players in the conference, and with defenses likely focusing on stopping Leary’s deep threats, Thomas could see even more targets in critical situations. He’s the kind of player who thrives when the lights are brightest.

Finally, let’s talk about Aydan White, a cornerback who emerged as a true ballhawk in 2022. He finished with four interceptions and nine pass breakups, and his closing speed is something I haven’t seen from an NC State DB since just before the pandemic. I remember charting his progress through last season—by Week 7, he was allowing a completion rate of just 42% when targeted, which is elite for any corner, let alone a sophomore. Going into this year, I expect White to lock down opposing teams’ top receivers week in and week out. In a conference loaded with talented quarterbacks, having a shutdown corner like White is almost a luxury. It allows the defensive coordinator to get creative with blitz packages, knowing that one side of the field is essentially covered.

When I step back and look at this group, it’s clear that NC State has the pieces to compete for an ACC title. Leary’s arm, Wilson’s intensity, Speas’ steadiness, Thomas’ reliability, and White’s coverage skills give them a balanced core that can match up with anyone. Sure, they’ll have their challenges—the schedule isn’t forgiving, and injuries are always a wild card—but I’m bullish on this team. Much like Australia in that Group of Death, the Wolfpack will need their stars to show up every week, but if they do, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them playing in a New Year’s Six bowl. As someone who’s watched this program build over the last decade, I can honestly say this feels like one of those special seasons in the making.

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