NC State Wolfpack Eager to Challenge for Title in ACC

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The North Carolina State Wolfpack enters the season looking to build off consecutive 9-win seasons.

In the new era of expanded playoffs, NC State is eager to take the next step. The Wolfpack is focused on competing for the Atlantic Coast Conference title along with moving up the national stage. Coach Dave Doeren was joined by quarterback Grayson McCall, defensive tackle Davin Vann and running back Jordan Waters in taking questions at ACC Media Day.

NC State Focuses on Talent

With the Wolfpack active in the Transfer Portal, Doeren was asked how much it helps in building a team. "Yeah, I think year to year for us it's just another method of adding talent, adding the key ingredients to the roster," he said. "It's all based on need, where you may have a void.

"In the past, pre-portal, you would look into the junior college areas, sometimes find a transfer that was a grad to fill a spot where maybe you had an injury or player left early to go to the NFL," Doeren said. "Obviously, as you know, now there's outflow and inflow coming in at different times differently than there ever has been."

Doeren was asked about NC State's desire to be different and doing what it takes to reach the next level.

"I think every day we're out there it's a measuring stick, it is," he said. "We're one of 5 programs over the last 4 years that have won 8 or more games in college football. We've sustained a level of competitive greatness that not many people have been able to do.

"With that being said, we want to win a championship," the Wolfpack coach said. "So different is that. It's taken the program from the second-most wins since 2020 to winning the league. That is different. What we did last year and the year before and the year before is good. Winning 9 games is good. We don't want to be good, we want to be the best at what we do. These guys understand that."

Doeren was asked how much Jordan Waters will help in developing and sustaining a running game. "Jordan is going to help us in the run game, for sure," he said. "The whole offense, in general, it always starts with what is the quarterback going to do, right? We feel great about what Grayson can do. Then, the offensive line, the blocking schemes that those guys are good at, the depth that you have there. How the tight end plays into that game."

Grayson McCall Wants to Win

Transferring to NC State from Coastal Carolina, McCall was asked about the moment he knew that he wanted to play for the Wolfpack.

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"On my visit, walking into the place, kind of overwhelmed with the facilities," he told media members gathered for ACC Media Day. "As I got there and able to talk to coach Doeren, coach Roper, coach Anae, and meet some of the guys, it's an unbelievable place to be."

Carroll offered up praise for what Doeren is doing at the school. "The culture is extremely strong," he said. "Coach Doeren has been there for obviously over 10 years. The standard that he's set in place, the play style that the football team has week-in, week-out, the toughness and the grit, the blue-collar mentality, the chip on their shoulder, that's been me my whole career."

One thing is for certain: There is a confidence among the Wolfpack players. They expect to be better than last season and enter into the larger conversation. One not only tied to the ACC Championship, but also for the College Football Playoff and the National Championship. Doeren and NC State are eager to challenge for it all in 2024.