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NC State Newsstand: LB Caden Fordham named to Comeback Player of the Year watch list

image_6483441 (3)by: Noah Fleischman08/20/25fleischman_noah
Caden Fordham
Nov 4, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Caden Fordham (10) during the second half against the Miami Hurricanes at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

Despite tearing his left ACL halfway through the 2024 season, NC State graduate linebacker Caden Fordham is back on the field for his final collegiate campaign. The defender, who was ahead of schedule in his recovery, was already named captain and accepted the No. 1 jersey for the 2025 season. 

Now, he was named to the 2025 Comeback Player of the Year Award watch list going into the fall. Fordham, who made a full recovery and was cleared for contact 10 months after his initial injury, was one of 75 football players to make the list heading into the new season.

Before Fordham went down with a knee injury, he was the Wolfpack’s leading tackler with 49 total stops. He logged a career-best 13 tackles against Northern Illinois in his second-to-last appearance last season. 

As Fordham enters his final season at NC State, he has totaled 110 tackles, including eight for a loss with two sacks, across 35 career games. 

The Comeback Player of the Year Award recognizes football players around the country that overcome injury, illness or other circumstances. At the end of the season, a panel of college football writers, editors and sports information directors will vote for three players to be honored with the award at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.

Fordham is the fourth NC State player to make the Comeback Player of the Year watch list, joining quarterback Grayson McCall, defensive lineman Savion Jackson and linebacker Payton Wilson.

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Quote of the day

Fordham earned the No. 1 jersey for the 2025 campaign. Wolfpack assistant linebackers coach Isaiah Moore believes he’s more than prepared for the moment.

“He took this team this offseason, even while being injured and going through the recovery process, and found an opportunity to lead,” Moore said. “He did it his own way. He didn’t try to be me, try to be Payton, try to be Drake. He just wanted to be Caden Fordham. I told him that would be enough, and it was enough. I’m extremely happy for him. It couldn’t happen to a better person, and I’m honored to have him in the club with me.”

Today’s top headlines

NC State LB Caden Fordham dreamed of earning the No. 1 jersey. Now it’s his, and he understands the responsibility

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