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Anonymous ACC coach sees NC State as an eight-win ceiling due to 'lagging' NIL work

On3 imageby:Dan Morrison•06/11/25•

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NC State football flag
Dec 30, 2022; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack cheerleaders run across the end zone with team flags during the second half against the Maryland Terrapins in the 2022 Duke's Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The NC State Wolfpack have been a consistently strong program under head coach Dave Doeren. Despite that, there seems to be a ceiling on the program thanks to, as some in the ACC thing, lagging NIL work within the program.

One ACC coach spoke anonymously to Athlon. They explained that NC State likely has an eight-win season thanks to their weaknesses in the NIL department.

“Right now, it’s easier to justify them being in that eight-win range,” the coach said. “Because they’re lagging in NIL. The expectations and reality are pretty far off in that regard.”

That sentiment is one that seems to be shared around the ACC. Anonymous ACC coaches praised NC State for its consistency. That roster talent is still just likely going to create issues upgrading themselves to the top-tier range within the conference. That’s true even while retaining quarterback CJ Bailey for the upcoming season.

“There’s always talent on these rosters,” an ACC coach said. “And it’s always a step behind the top programs in the league.”

Dave Doeren first got to NC State in 2013. Since then, the Wolfpack have only missed out on a bowl game twice. That includes going to a bowl in every season since 2020. However, in that time, NC State has not managed to win the ACC, go to a New Year’s Six Bowl, or win double-digit games.

“Dave [Doeren] has done a great job adjusting and rebuilding the roster over the years,” a coach said. “The issue has always been how NC State is perceived. They’ll have really strong seasons with breakout guys, and then they always fail to take that next, bigger step.”

Further changes could still be on the way to college sports in the NIL space. The recently approved House settlement is going to allow for revenue sharing between schools and athletes. It is also going to be some limitations on outside NIL deals. That includes that NIL deals above $600 will need third-party approval. Those will go to a clearinghouse called NIL Go. Deloitte is set to oversee the fair compensation ranges. 

In the future, that could once again shift the playing field in college football and potentially put NC State in a better position. For the 2025 season, though, the roster is largely solidified and built before the approval of the House settlement. So, it’s still going to have to overcome any potential NIL issues that the roster faced.