Here is news that should make NC State football fans raise another toast on the second day of the new year: CJ Bailey will be the Wolfpack’s starting quarterback in 2026.
Bailey confirmed the decision on social media early Friday afternoon, posting “2026 is our year 🐺” on social media just hours after the transfer portal officially opened.
NC State football’s official social media responded with a simple post of its own: “QB1🐺”. No other exchange was needed for Pack fans, who had been anxious about Bailey’s decision to stay or go since the bowl win over Memphis on Dec. 19.
Bailey (6-foot-6, 215 pounds) emerged as one of the ACC’s top quarterbacks this past season, throwing for 3,105 yards and 25 touchdowns during his sophomore campaign while leading NC State Wolfpack football to eight wins and the Gasparilla Bowl triumph in Tampa, Bailey’s home state.
Back with the Pack.
QB1 returns.
Let’s go to work. 🐺🔴 @PackFootball pic.twitter.com/QlJGbDdebb — Dave Doeren (@StateCoachD) January 2, 2026
The Chaminade-Madonna High product (Miami, Fla.) played in 12 games as a freshman in 2024, starting nine, and has totaled 5,518 career passing yards and 42 touchdown passes with the Wolfpack.
His return immediately elevates NC State into the conversation as an upper-tier ACC contender for 2026. While several other offensive standouts — including receiver Noah Rogers and running back Hollywood Smothers — have announced plans to enter the transfer portal, Bailey’s decision should make Raleigh an attractive destination for high-level players searching for a new home.
More Transfer Portal Content
🔗 North Carolina FBS Transfer Portal Tracker
🔗 Tiered NC Transfer Portal Rankings and ACC Transfer Portal Coverage (from NC Sports Network)
He's Baaaaaccckkk 😉
Get ready for more CJ Bailey in 2026, Wolfpack fans!@PackFootball | @PackAthletics | #GoPack pic.twitter.com/RP5Ya4q7DV — ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) January 2, 2026
