From off-the-radar to a Power 4 commitment in a few short months, Tyreek Copper has made his move — and the Kinston High standout didn’t wait long once the opportunity came.
The rising senior committed to NC State this weekend following an official visit. The Wolfpack coaching staff extended an offer earlier in the week after watching Copper in action during a mid-week 7-on-7 event hosted by NCSU. Copper quickly scheduled an official visit — and by Saturday night, he gave head coach Dave Doeren his verbal pledge.
“Wolfpack Nation, I’m home 🐺🔴⚫️ #GoPack #COMMITTED” — Tyreek Copper via social media on June 21
📍 Who is Tyreek Copper?
Wide Receiver | Kinston High School | Kinston, NC | 6-2, 180 | Class of 2026
Copper emerged last fall as one of North Carolina’s most productive receivers, racking up:
- 77 catches
- 1,391 yards
- 16 touchdowns
He enters his senior year with 33 career receiving touchdowns, sharp route-running skills and elite production after the catch. He also maintains a 4.2 GPA, drawing Ivy League interest (Cornell, Princeton) and military academy offers (Army, Navy, Air Force) in addition to his football accolades.
After I great 7v7 camp, I’m blessed to receive my 13th D1 offer from NC State #AGTG@jokerphillips @Justin__Ratliff @PackFootball pic.twitter.com/jc4dOyi8bk
— Tyreek Copper (@Reekman_10) June 18, 2025
🧬 Football Runs in the Family
- Father: Terrance Copper — ECU legend (2000–03), nine-year NFL veteran (Cowboys, Saints, Chiefs, Ravens)
- Brother: Terrance Copper Jr. — Former ECU receiver (2020–23)
Tyreek’s decision to join the Wolfpack marks a notable twist — despite his family’s deep ties to East Carolina, the Pirates don’t appear to have offered (per 247Sports). Instead, Copper will head to Raleigh, not Greenville, to make his mark after his last ride at Kinston.
🚀 Recruiting Journey
Back in February, Copper’s recruiting buzz was just beginning. He had early offers from Gardner-Webb and Elon, and attended Charlotte’s Junior Day. Since then, his offer list steadily grew to include:
- Army, Navy, Air Force
- Bryant, Campbell, Charleston Southern
- Cornell, NC Central, Richmond, Princeton
But the offer from NC State — one he received while competing in person — was the one that changed everything.
🔮 What NC State is Getting
A big-play receiver with top-tier acceleration, sharp cuts and field awareness. A high-character student-athlete with a 4.2 GPA. And a motivated legacy player writing his own story in Raleigh Red.
If Copper continues to develop at this pace, he could become a hidden gem in the Wolfpack’s 2026 class — and a potential difference-maker at the next level.
Doeren and NC State now have 10 commitments from the Class of 2026. Pennsylvania linebacker Zykir Moore (Pittsburgh | Woodland Hills HS) also joined the Wolfpack’s class over the weekend. Moore is a three-star prospect and the No. 42 player from the Keystone State, per 247Sports.
Reagan High quarterback Jacob Smith if NC State’s other in-state commitment thus far. Smith joined the Wolfpack’s recruiting class last fall.
