NC State Wolfpack Football

The NC State Wolfpack football team, representing North Carolina State University, competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Originally part of the Southern Conference, they joined the ACC in 1953, winning seven conference championships and participating in 34 bowl games, securing victory in 17. The Wolfpack calls Carter–Finley Stadium home since 1966, boasting the title of the largest college football stadium in North Carolina. Notably, a Tamaskan Dog named "Tuffy" has been a steadfast live mascot at Carter–Finley Stadium since September 16, 2010, never missing a Wolfpack football game.

NC State Wolfpack Football History

The NC State Wolfpack football team, originating as The North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, debuted in 1892 under coach Perrin Busbee. The Aggies won their first game against Raleigh Male Academy and later faced Tennessee College in their inaugural intercollegiate match. The enduring rivalry with UNC Chapel Hill commenced in 1894. Despite early struggles, coach Mickey Whitehurst led the 1910 team to a South Atlantic championship. In 1921, under coach Harry Hartsell, they joined the Southern Conference, winning it in 1927.

The Bo Rein era (1976–1979) brought an ACC title in 1979. Lou Holtz's tenure (1972–1975) saw four bowl games, including a Peach Bowl win in 1972. Dick Sheridan's era (1986–1992) witnessed six bowl appearances, and Mike O'Cain (1993–1999) secured a Peach Bowl win in 1994. Chuck Amato's era (2000–2006) boasted an 11-win season in 2002. Tom O'Brien (2007–2012) led the team to consistent bowl appearances. Dave Doeren took over in 2013, achieving notable success, including a St. Petersburg Bowl win in 2014. The 2022 contract extension reflects confidence in Doeren's leadership, marking an exciting chapter for the Wolfpack.

NC State Wolfpack Football Coach

Dave Doeren, the current head coach of the NC State Wolfpack football team, assumed the position in 2013. Under his leadership, the team has experienced notable success and improvements. During his tenure, Doeren has compiled a 38–44 record in ACC play and an overall record of 72–54, maintaining a winning percentage of .571. His coaching has seen the Wolfpack achieve a turnaround, with the team posting an 8–5 record in his second season, including a victory in the 2014 St. Petersburg Bowl. Doeren is committed to building a competitive program with consistent performance and notable victories. As of the latest available data, he continues to guide the Wolfpack, with a contract extension through 2026 indicating a sustained commitment to his coaching role at NC State.

Here is list of all the head coaches you guided the team throughout its rich history:

NC State Wolfpack Football Stadium: Carter–Finley Stadium

NC State's football roots trace back to makeshift fields around campus before the establishment of Riddick Stadium in 1907. Initially, games were played at various locations, including Pullen Park and the State Fairgrounds. Riddick Field, named after esteemed professor W.C. Riddick in 1912, hosted the Aggies' games but faced limitations with only 14,000 permanent seats and a total capacity of 23,000.

Recognizing its obsolescence, the university transitioned to Carter Stadium in 1966, later renamed Carter–Finley Stadium in 1979. With a seating capacity of 56,919, the modern facility became a revered home for NC State football. Carter–Finley has witnessed iconic moments and hosted legendary athletes like Philip Rivers, Torry Holt, and Russell Wilson. Notably, the 50th season celebration in 2016 marked a memorable victory against Notre Dame amid Hurricane Matthew, emphasizing the enduring legacy of the stadium.

NC State Wolfpack Football Rivals

NC State football boasts intense rivalries, with the North Carolina–NC State matchup standing out. North Carolina holds a historical lead of 68–38–6, with an ACC-era dominance of 37–33. In recent years, NC State has secured a 14–9 series advantage since 2000, emphasizing their competitiveness against UNC-Chapel Hill. The annual Thanksgiving Weekend clash adds anticipation to their upcoming 2023 encounter in Raleigh.

The NC State–Wake Forest rivalry is a testament to longevity, dating back to 1910. With NC State leading 69–42–6, it is the second-longest active streak among ACC schools. Their yearly face-offs contribute to the enduring excitement of college football. The next clash is eagerly awaited in Raleigh during the 2024 season.

Facing Clemson, the Textile Bowl rivalry, marked by yearly confrontations, has seen Clemson lead at 60–30–1. While not guaranteed annually in the expanded ACC, their recent meeting in 2023 resulted in NC State's triumph, winning 24-17, and marking their second victory in the last three matchups.

The East Carolina–NC State rivalry, dating back to 1970, holds historical significance. NC State leads 19–13, with their encounter scheduled for the 2025 season in Raleigh. Notably, East Carolina is the sole "Group of 5" program to have defeated NC State's current coach, Dave Doeren, with his series record currently at 3–2.

NC State Wolfpack Football Record and Stats

Championship Conferences

The NC State Wolfpack football program boasts a rich history, marked by 11 conference championships across three different conferences. Their early successes in the South Atlantic Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1907, under coach Mickey Whitehurst, and in 1910 with Eddie Green, laid the foundation. Transitioning to the Southern Conference in 1927, Gus Tebell led the team to a stellar 9–1 record. The Wolfpack continued their winning tradition in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), clinching titles in 1957 under Earle Edwards, in 1973 with Lou Holtz, and in 1979 led by Bo Rein.

Conference Championship Game Appearances

NC State's football program, anchored in the ACC since 1953, has seen notable conference championship game appearances. The team's resilience and prowess have positioned them as contenders, with key appearances in ACC championship matchups shaping their storied football legacy.

NC State Wolfpack Football Roaster

NC State Wolfpack Football Schedule