Blog Article
Temperature is Rising – NC State Wolfpack 2025 Football Preview
Dave Doeren’s seat might not be scorching yet, but the temperature is rising.
After 12 seasons, 87 wins, and precisely zero ACC Championship game appearances, the longest-tenured coach in NC State history finds himself at a crossroads. The 2024 campaign, which had a #24 preseason ranking, ended with a whimper—a 6-7 record and a bowl loss to East Carolina that left fans wondering if this program had reached its ceiling.
Here’s what you need to know about the Wolfpack’s make-or-break 2025 season:
The $15.7 Million Question
Despite extending Doeren through 2029, NC State’s administration can’t ignore these uncomfortable truths:
- His 44-46 ACC record speaks volumes about the program’s conference struggles
- The Wolfpack haven’t reached the heights many believe are possible
- 2024’s disappointment came with a veteran-laden roster
- The “we battled injuries” excuse only goes so far after 12 years
Doeren has built a rock-solid program that wins 8+ games in good years, but the nagging question remains: Is that enough for a program hungry for more?
With a massive $15.7 million buyout in place, AD Boo Corrigan likely isn’t making a change after one down year—but another mediocre season might force a difficult conversation.
Staff Overhaul: The Last Stand?
Doeren recognized change was necessary, completely reshuffling his coaching deck:
- Kurt Roper promoted to offensive coordinator (replacing Robert Anae)
- D.J. Eliot hired as defensive coordinator
- Charlton Warren added as co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach
- Gavin Locklear elevated to tight ends coach
This wholesale transformation signals Doeren knows precisely what’s at stake in 2025.
By The Numbers: Troubling Trends
The statistics tell a story of a team that struggled on both sides of the ball in 2024:
- Offensive mediocrity: 377.8 total yards per game (232.6 passing, 145.2 rushing)
- Defensive vulnerability: 390.8 yards allowed per game
- Turnover troubles: 2.4 giveaways per game in losses
- Road/neutral site woes: 0-2 in neutral sites allowing 466.5 yards per game
Most concerning? The Wolfpack went just 3-5 in ACC play, finishing 12th in the expanded conference.
Roster Outlook: Hope Amid Uncertainty
The talent pipeline hasn’t dried up, even amid on-field struggles:
- 2025 recruiting class ranks 35th nationally, 7th in ACC
- Eight four-star recruits continue a five-year trend of strong recruiting
- Potential breakout performers on defense, particularly in the secondary
- Promising receiver corps developing talent
But the questions loom large:
- Can the offensive line make necessary improvements?
- Will quarterback play find consistency?
- Can the running game develop explosiveness?
- Will special teams clean up persistent issues?
The Bottom Line For 2025
Another 6-6 prediction from 247Sports suggests mediocrity might be baked into expectations.
But this season represents something more fundamental: a referendum on whether Dave Doeren can elevate NC State beyond its current station or if the program requires new leadership to reach the next level.
Patience is wearing thin for a fanbase that’s watched neighboring programs compete for championships while settling for Holiday Bowl appearances.
The clock is ticking in Raleigh.
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