:NC State Wolfpack football

{{See also|List of NC State Wolfpack football seasons}}

NC State (then known as The North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts) played its first football game against a team from the Raleigh Male Academy on March 12, 1892, in what is now Pullen Park.{{cite web|url=https://historicalstate.lib.ncsu.edu/timelines/athletics|title=NCSU Timelines|website=historicalstate.lib.ncsu.edu|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409200413/https://historicalstate.lib.ncsu.edu/timelines/athletics|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/ncst/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/history1-10.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2017-04-08 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304203934/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/ncst/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/history1-10.pdf |url-status=live }}

The team's first head coach was Perrin Busbee, who led the team during that game.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/67775513/?terms=Perrin+Busbee+football|title=11 Jan 1935, Page 4 - The Daily Tar Heel at Newspapers.com|access-date=8 April 2017|archive-date=29 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929232858/https://www.newspapers.com/image/67775513/?terms=Perrin+Busbee+football|url-status=live}} The Aggies, whose colors were blue and pink, won 12–6 in front of more than 200 spectators. The following year, the school played its first intercollegiate game: a 12–6 victory over the University of Tennessee.{{cite web|url=https://www.nmnathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9200&ATCLID=1551234&SPID=3730&SPSID=54376|title=NC State Football's History of Success|publisher=GoPack.com|access-date=2008-08-10|archive-date=2011-09-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914123930/http://www.nmnathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9200&ATCLID=1551234&SPID=3730&SPSID=54376|url-status=live}}{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wilmington-morning-star-warm-wirelet/81061608/ | title=Warm wirelets | newspaper=The Wilmington Morning Star | date=8 November 1893 | page=4 }} The program's long-standing rivalry with nearby University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill began on October 12, 1894, with a 44–0 UNC victory in Chapel Hill.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.lib.unc.edu/morton/index.php/2015/11/unc-versus-ncsu-football/|title=UNC versus NCSU football - A View to Hugh|website=blogs.lib.unc.edu|date=28 November 2015 |access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112228/http://blogs.lib.unc.edu/morton/index.php/2015/11/unc-versus-ncsu-football/|url-status=live}} Eight days later, the team (then called the Farmers) lost again to UNC, 16–0 in Raleigh.{{cite web|url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/acc/north_carolina_state/yearly_results.php?year=1892|title=North Carolina State Yearly Results, 1892-1894|publisher=College Football Data Warehouse|access-date=2008-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506195213/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/acc/north_carolina_state/yearly_results.php?year=1892|archive-date=2008-05-06|url-status=dead}} In 1895, under third-year coach Bart Gatling, the team finished 2–2–1{{cite web|url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=848|title=All-Time Coaching Records by Year|website=www.cfbdatawarehouse.com|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111201/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=848|url-status=live}} and wore red and white uniforms for the first time. Over the next five seasons the program continued to try to establish itself, achieving only one winning season during the period. The football team has also only had scholarship football players since 1933, prior to that all Wolfpack athletics consisted entirely of non-scholarship student athletes. In 1906, in a game against Randolph-Macon in Raleigh, the Farmers attempted their first forward pass, a play that had only recently become legal and at the time was still considered a "trick" play. The following season was the program's most successful yet. Under coach Mickey Whitehurst, A&M won the South Atlantic Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship with a 6–0–1 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/mickey-whitehurst-1.html|title=Mickey Whitehurst Coaching Record - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314142918/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/mickey-whitehurst-1.html|url-status=live}} That season, the program also recorded its first ever victory over Virginia.{{cite web|url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/acc/north_carolina_state/yearly_results.php?year=1905|title=North Carolina State Yearly Results, 1905-1908|publisher=College Football Data Warehouse|access-date=2008-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506195228/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/acc/north_carolina_state/yearly_results.php?year=1905|archive-date=2008-05-06|url-status=dead}} The Farmers played their home games that season on campus at the New Athletic Park, which would later be known as Riddick Stadium.2010 NC State Wolfpack Media Guide In addition to Pullen Park, the state fairgrounds had hosted some games prior to the opening of the new stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.ncsu.edu/facilities/buildings/ridd-sta.html|title=Riddick Stadium|website=www.ncsu.edu|access-date=2011-11-12|archive-date=2012-07-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702112304/http://www.ncsu.edu/facilities/buildings/ridd-sta.html|url-status=dead}}

The team won a second South Atlantic championship in 1910 under coach Edward Green, finishing with a record of 4–0–2.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1910-schedule.html|title=1910 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930040806/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1910-schedule.html|url-status=live}} A win over Virginia Tech in Norfolk that season was dubbed the "biggest game ever played in the South".{{cite web|url=http://pilotonline.com/sports/college/old-dominion/football/harry-minium/n-c-state-football-team-has-played-times-in-tidewater/article_a36af0d1-a526-5bad-ac6b-4d1fb01d7a3f.html|title=N.C. State football team has played 34 times in Tidewater, including epic 1907 game against Virginia|first=Harry|last=Minium|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111925/http://pilotonline.com/sports/college/old-dominion/football/harry-minium/n-c-state-football-team-has-played-times-in-tidewater/article_a36af0d1-a526-5bad-ac6b-4d1fb01d7a3f.html|url-status=live}} Coach Green led team to a third conference championship in 1913, with a record of 6–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1913-schedule.html|title=1913 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930035600/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1913-schedule.html|url-status=live}} The 1918 season, which was the school's first season with the name North Carolina State University,{{cite web|url=http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/scrc/university-historical-sketch|title=Historical Sketch of NC State University|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-10-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027003717/http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/scrc/university-historical-sketch|url-status=live}} was cut short due to the United States' entrance into World War I and a severe flu outbreak on campus. The team's roster was depleted, its schedule reduced to four games, and practice was suspended for five weeks in October and November. A week after practice resumed, State College, as the school was then called, led by coach Tal Stafford, was defeated 128–0 by Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Tackle John Ripple was named the program's first All-American. The following season, on October 23, the Farmers resumed play with North Carolina after a 14-year hiatus. The Tar Heels won the game 13–12 in Raleigh. It wasn't until 1920 that A&M defeated the rival Tar Heels for the first time. In 1921 State College began wearing red sweaters and were referred to by the local media as the Wolfpack.{{cite web|url=http://gopack.com/sports/2015/7/24/GEN_0724150921.aspx|title=NC State Athletics - Origin of the Wolfpack|website=gopack.com|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-03-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330085204/http://www.gopack.com/sports/2015/7/24/GEN_0724150921.aspx|url-status=live}} The program, led by coach

File:Harry Hartsell.png

Harry Hartsell at the time, joined the Southern Conference that year and would win the conference title six seasons later under coach Gus Tebell, finishing the year with a 9–1 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1927-schedule.html|title=1927 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930035826/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1927-schedule.html|url-status=live}} Running back Jack McDowall was the team's star player that year.{{cite web|url={{College Football HoF/url|id=1366}}|title=Jack McDowall|publisher=National Football Foundation|website=www.footballfoundation.org}} The 1930 season saw the installation of field lighting at Riddick Stadium, as the Wolfpack defeated High Point University, 37–0, in the team's first ever night game. Williams Newton took over as State's head coach in 1937, and under his tutelage the team compiled a record of 24–39–6.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/doc-newton-1.html|title=Doc Newton|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314142709/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/doc-newton-1.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=1743|title=All-Time Coaching Records by Year|work=cfbdatawarehouse.com|access-date=2014-02-28|archive-date=2014-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301010257/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/coaching/alltime_coach_year_by_year.php?coachid=1743|url-status=live}} Under Newton, State employed a ground-oriented, hard nose attack that put pressure on the opposing interior linemen.{{cite web|url=https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/findingaids/mss00063|title=Sol Williams "Doc" Newton Papers, 1918-1971 - NCSU Special Collections Research Center Collection Guides|website=www.lib.ncsu.edu|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409200541/https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/findingaids/mss00063|url-status=live}} Recruitment became difficult during at least part of his tenure as head coach due to the fact that World War II necessitated that eligible males over 18 be inducted into the U.S. military.{{cite web|url=http://gopack.com/news/2008/8/7/NC_State_Football_s_History_of_Success.aspx|title=NC State Football's History of Success|website=NC State University|access-date=2018-05-26|archive-date=2018-05-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201537/http://gopack.com/news/2008/8/7/NC_State_Football_s_History_of_Success.aspx|url-status=live}} Newton left NC State after seven seasons to accept the head football coach position at South Carolina.{{cite web|url=http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article48550010.html|title=History lesson: South Carolina's all-time head football coaches|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111034/http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-football/article48550010.html|url-status=live}}

File:Beattie Feathers 1932.png

In 1944, State hired former Appalachian State head coach Beattie Feathers as the Wolfpack head football coach.{{cite web|url=https://d.lib.ncsu.edu/collections/catalog/0010042|title=N. C. State football coach Beattie Feathers - 0010042 - NCSU Libraries' Rare and Unique Digital Collections - NCSU Libraries' Rare and Unique Digital Collections|website=d.lib.ncsu.edu|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409200455/https://d.lib.ncsu.edu/collections/catalog/0010042|url-status=live}} Feathers, a former star at Tennessee and the first NFL running back to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, compiled a 37–38–8 record in eight seasons,{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/beattie-feathers-1.html|title=Beattie Feathers Coaching Record - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314142628/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/beattie-feathers-1.html|url-status=live}} the program's most successful coaching tenure yet. In Feathers' second season, Wolfpack defensive player Howard "Touchdown" Turner returned an interception 105 yards against Duke, a record that still stands as the longest play in Wolfpack history.{{cite web|url=http://www.gopack.com/news/2008/8/7/NC_State_Football_s_History_of_Success.aspx|title=NC State Football's History of Success|website=NC State University|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409200614/http://www.gopack.com/news/2008/8/7/NC_State_Football_s_History_of_Success.aspx|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/ncst/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/2012LongestPlays.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2017-04-08 |archive-date=2017-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111814/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/ncst/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/2012LongestPlays.pdf |url-status=live }} The 1946 season began with wins over Duke and Clemson, earning the program their first appearance in the UPI poll (19th).{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1946-schedule.html|title=1946 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930035556/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1946-schedule.html|url-status=live}} The next year, NC State reached their first ever bowl game, the second annual Gator Bowl. The team lost to Oklahoma, 34–13,{{cite web|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2013-12-11/history-gator-bowl|title=History: Gator Bowl|date=11 December 2013|access-date=2018-04-05|archive-date=2018-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124102700/http://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2013-12-11/history-gator-bowl|url-status=live}} and finished the season at 8–3, the highest win total since finishing 9–1 in 1927. 1947 saw the Wolfpack finish 5–3–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1947-schedule.html|title=1947 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930040303/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1947-schedule.html|url-status=live}} That season was followed by a 3–6–1 campaign in 1948,{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1948-schedule.html|title=1948 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930040912/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1948-schedule.html|url-status=live}} a 3–7 mark in 1949{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1949-schedule.html|title=1949 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930040116/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1949-schedule.html|url-status=live}} and a 5–4–1 record in 1950.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1950-schedule.html|title=1950 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142827/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1950-schedule.html|url-status=live}} The Wolfpack's first ever nationally televised game was played in 1950. State defeated eighth-ranked Maryland 16–13 in College Park. The game aired on the now-defunct Dumont Television Network. After a 3–7 campaign in 1951,{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1951-schedule.html|title=1951 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141612/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1951-schedule.html|url-status=live}} Feathers was relieved of his duties as head coach. Horace Hendrickson was promoted from assistant coach to head coach after Feathers' departure.{{cite web|url=http://newsok.com/article/3924013|title=College football hires: Where the coaches comes from|date=15 January 2014|access-date=8 April 2017|archive-date=9 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509014028/http://newsok.com/article/3924013|url-status=live}} Under Hendrickson's tutelage, the Wolfpack struggled, compiling a record of 4–16.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/horace-hendrickson-1.html|title=Horace Hendrickson Coaching Record - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314142618/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/horace-hendrickson-1.html|url-status=live}} Hendrickson was fired after two seasons due to the team's struggles. NC State joined the newly formed Atlantic Coast Conference in 1953 as a charter member, leaving the Southern Conference after 29 years of membership.{{cite web|url=http://www.chathamjournal.com/weekly/sports/college/acc-history-50809.shtml|title=History of the Atlantic Coast Conference (Chatham Journal)|website=www.chathamjournal.com|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2016-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614171955/http://www.chathamjournal.com/weekly/sports/college/acc-history-50809.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.soconsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=177772|title=The History of the Southern Conference|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729212807/http://www.soconsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=177772|url-status=live}} The team, which had finished 3–7 in 1952,{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1952-schedule.html|title=1952 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143700/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1952-schedule.html|url-status=live}} finished 1–9 that year under head coach Hendrickson.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1953.html|title=1953 North Carolina State Wolfpack Stats - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314142614/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1953.html|url-status=live}}

Earle Edwards was hired as the team's head coach before the 1954 season.{{cite web | url=https://apnews.com/article/6795a545442f6be43e2d8928061b9a2b | title=Earle Edwards, N.C. State's 17-year coach, dies at 88 | website=Associated Press }} Edwards had previously been an assistant at Michigan State under Biggie Munn and at Penn State under Bob Higgins.{{cite web|url=https://www.nmnathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=41956&SPID=3730&DB_OEM_ID=9200&ATCLID=1207969|title=Program Spotlight: Earle Edwards|publisher=GoPack.com|date=2007-09-05|access-date=2011-01-05|archive-date=2012-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107052641/https://www.nmnathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=41956&SPID=3730&DB_OEM_ID=9200&ATCLID=1207969|url-status=live}} Edwards' teams compiled a record of 77–88–8.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/earle-edwards-1.html|title=Earle Edwards|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314142557/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/earle-edwards-1.html|url-status=live}} Edwards is the longest tenured coach in NC State Wolfpack football history and holds the program records for games coached, wins, and losses. His teams won five Atlantic Coast Conference titles and made two Liberty Bowl appearances. Four times he was named the ACC Coach of the Year. Edwards produced eight All-Americans: Dick Christy, halfback (1957),{{cite web|url=http://www.gopack.com/news/2000/8/9/The_Legend_Of_Dick_Christy_Lives_On.aspx|title=The Legend Of Dick Christy Lives On|website=NC State University|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112410/http://www.gopack.com/news/2000/8/9/The_Legend_Of_Dick_Christy_Lives_On.aspx|url-status=live}} Roman Gabriel, quarterback (1960, 1961),{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-rams-draft-quarterbacks-20160427-story.html|title=Old Rams QBs Roman Gabriel, Ron Jaworski and Vince Ferragamo can't wait to see who new Rams QB will be|first=Gary|last=Klein|date=26 April 2016|via=LA Times|access-date=20 February 2020|archive-date=18 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218002243/https://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-rams-draft-quarterbacks-20160427-story.html|url-status=live}} Don Montgomery, defensive end (1963),{{cite web|url=https://www.visitnc.com/listing/don-montgomery-memorial-park|title=Don Montgomery Memorial Park|website=VisitNC.com|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111855/https://www.visitnc.com/listing/don-montgomery-memorial-park|url-status=live}} Dennis Byrd, defensive tackle (1966, 1967),{{cite web|url=http://www.gopack.com/news/2010/7/29/Football_Legend_Dennis_Byrd_Dies_at_63.aspx|title=Football Legend Dennis Byrd Dies at 63|website=NC State University|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112407/http://www.gopack.com/news/2010/7/29/Football_Legend_Dennis_Byrd_Dies_at_63.aspx|url-status=live}} Fred Combs, defensive back (1967),{{cite web|url=https://www.ymcatriangle.org/ae-finley-ymca/blog/member-spotlight-fred-combs-newest-nc-sports-hall-famer|title=Member Spotlight: Fred Combs, Newest NC Sports Hall of Famer|website=www.ymcatriangle.org|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112126/https://www.ymcatriangle.org/ae-finley-ymca/blog/member-spotlight-fred-combs-newest-nc-sports-hall-famer|archive-date=2017-04-09|url-status=dead}} Gerald Warren, kicker (1967),{{cite web|url=http://www.gopack.com/news/2013/5/13/NC_State_Athletic_Hall_of_Fame_Inductees_Elected.aspx|title=NC State Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Elected|website=NC State University|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409200311/http://www.gopack.com/news/2013/5/13/NC_State_Athletic_Hall_of_Fame_Inductees_Elected.aspx|url-status=live}} Ron Carpenter, defensive tackle (1968), and Cary Metts, center, (1968).{{cite web|url=http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092413aaf.html|title=NC State's 2013 Hall of Fame Class: Earle Edwards|work=gopack.com|access-date=2014-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228220214/http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092413aaf.html|archive-date=2014-02-28|url-status=dead}} Though Edwards' tenure wasn't overly successful from a record standpoint, it was the most successful tenure of any head coach to that point and laid the foundation for future successes to occur.{{cite web|url=http://www.gopack.com/news/2007/9/5/Program_Spotlight_Earle_Edwards.aspx|title=Program Spotlight: Earle Edwards|website=NC State University|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112311/http://www.gopack.com/news/2007/9/5/Program_Spotlight_Earle_Edwards.aspx|url-status=live}} Edwards retired after seventeen seasons as the Wolfpack's head football coach.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19710706&id=hmRNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=swkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5543,1023539|work=Star-News|via=Google News Archive Search|title=Star-News - Google News Archive Search|access-date=2015-11-17|archive-date=2015-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118235707/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19710706&id=hmRNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=swkEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5543,1023539|url-status=live}} After Edwards' retirement, State promoted Al Michaels from assistant coach to head coach.{{cite web|url=https://d.lib.ncsu.edu/collections/catalog/0010051|title=N. C. State football coach Al Michaels - 0010051 - NCSU Libraries' Rare and Unique Digital Collections - NCSU Libraries' Rare and Unique Digital Collections|website=d.lib.ncsu.edu|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111439/https://d.lib.ncsu.edu/collections/catalog/0010051|url-status=live}} Things didn't pan out for Michaels, as the Wolfpack compiled a 3–8 record in his only year as head coach.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/al-michaels-1.html|title=Al Michaels|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314142550/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/al-michaels-1.html|url-status=live}} Michaels was fired after just one season.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19911019&id=46UsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=khQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4082,1497847|title=Star-News|via=Google News Archive Search|work=google.com|access-date=2015-11-17|archive-date=2016-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407000820/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19911019&id=46UsAAAAIBAJ&sjid=khQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4082,1497847|url-status=live}}

File:Lou Holtz cropped.jpg

In 1972, State hired Lou Holtz away from William & Mary as head coach.{{cite web|url=http://www.und.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/lou_holtz_110424.html|title=Lou Holtz Bio :: Notre Dame Football :: UND.COM :: The Official Site of Notre Dame Athletics|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419093619/http://www.und.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/lou_holtz_110424.html|archive-date=2017-04-19|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://d.lib.ncsu.edu/collections/catalog/0010044|title=N. C. State football coach Lou Holtz - 0010044 - NCSU Libraries' Rare and Unique Digital Collections - NCSU Libraries' Rare and Unique Digital Collections|website=d.lib.ncsu.edu|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409200233/https://d.lib.ncsu.edu/collections/catalog/0010044|url-status=live}} Holtz had a 33–12–3 record in four seasons at NC State.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/lou-holtz-1.html|title=Lou Holtz|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310045904/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/lou-holtz-1.html|url-status=live}} His Wolfpack teams played in four bowl games, going 2–1–1.{{cite web|url=http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/holtz_lou00.html|title=Player Bio: Lou Holtz|publisher=CSTV|access-date=December 1, 2009|archive-date=December 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091208102240/http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/holtz_lou00.html|url-status=dead}} Holtz's 1972 team finished 8–3–1,{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1972-schedule.html|title=1972 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930035849/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1972-schedule.html|url-status=live}} won the Peach Bowl over West Virginia{{cite web|url=http://www.gopack.com/sports/2015/4/27/GEN_2014010123.aspx|title=NC State Athletics - NC State University Official Athletic Site - Football|website=www.gopack.com|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409200354/http://www.gopack.com/sports/2015/4/27/GEN_2014010123.aspx|url-status=live}} and finished the season ranked No. 17 in the final AP poll. Holtz's 1973 team finished 9–3,{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1973-schedule.html|title=1973 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930040043/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1973-schedule.html|url-status=live}} won the Liberty Bowl{{cite web|url=http://www.gopack.com/news/2012/2/7/1973_Liberty_Bowl_Recap.aspx|title=1973 Liberty Bowl Recap|website=NC State University|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929232435/http://www.gopack.com/news/2012/2/7/1973_Liberty_Bowl_Recap.aspx|url-status=live}} and finished the season ranked No. 16 in the final AP poll. The 1974 team finished 9–2–1,{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1974-schedule.html|title=1974 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930083910/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1974-schedule.html|url-status=live}} tied Houston in the Bluebonnet Bowl{{cite web|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2011-12-27-2851609137_x.htm|title=North Carolina State Bowl History - USATODAY.com|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409122825/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2011-12-27-2851609137_x.htm|url-status=live}} and finished the season ranked No. 9 in the Coaches' poll and No. 11 in the AP poll. Holtz departed the Wolfpack after four seasons to become head coach of the NFL's New York Jets.{{cite web|url=http://www.realclearsports.com/lists/short_coaching_stints/lou_holtz_jets.html?state=stop|title=RealClearSports – Top 10 Stunningly Short Coaching Stints – 6. Lou Holtz (Jets)|work=realclearsports.com|access-date=2014-02-28|archive-date=2014-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303225339/http://www.realclearsports.com/lists/short_coaching_stints/lou_holtz_jets.html?state=stop|url-status=dead}}

When Holtz moved on, Bo Rein, the offensive coordinator at Arkansas, became the youngest college football head coach upon his hiring by North Carolina State.{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hZIS61pVWpcC&dq=nc+state+hires+rein+1976&pg=PA89 | title=Called to Coach: Reflections on Life, Faith and Football | isbn=9781439196458 | last1=Bowden | first1=Bobby | last2=Schlabach | first2=Mark | date=9 August 2011 | publisher=Simon and Schuster }} Guiding the Wolfpack football team, Rein was an advocate of the coaching philosophy of Ohio State's Woody Hayes for whom Rein played. During Rein's four years at NC State, he led the team to two bowl games, defeating Iowa State in the 1977 Peach Bowl and defeating the Pittsburgh in the 1978 Tangerine Bowl.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/bo-rein-1.html|title=Bo Rein|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314142546/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/bo-rein-1.html|url-status=live}} In Rein's final year at NC State, his team won the Wolfpack's last ACC title to date. Despite winning the conference title, the Wolfpack were not invited to a bowl–as of the end of the 2019 season, the last bowl-eligible conference champion from a power conference to not take part in a bowl game. Among Rein's top players at NC State were Outland Trophy winner Jim Ritcher, a center for the Wolfpack who later started at guard on four Super Bowl teams with the Buffalo Bills,{{cite web|url=http://buffalosportshallfame.com/member/jim-ritcher/|title=JIM RITCHER|website=buffalosportshallfame.com|date=28 May 2014 |access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111838/http://buffalosportshallfame.com/member/jim-ritcher/|url-status=live}} and linebacker Bill Cowher, who later served as head coach of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers for 15 seasons and won Super Bowl XL.{{cite web|url=http://www.gopack.com/news/2006/2/5/TIM_PEELER_Billy_Cowher_He_s_One_of_Ours_.aspx|title=TIM PEELER: Billy Cowher -- 'He's One of Ours'|website=NC State University|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112106/http://www.gopack.com/news/2006/2/5/TIM_PEELER_Billy_Cowher_He_s_One_of_Ours_.aspx|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/bill-cowhers-new-normal-20151105|title=Bill Cowher's New Normal|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=5 November 2015|access-date=2017-12-29|archive-date=2017-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209084710/http://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/bill-cowhers-new-normal-20151105|url-status=live}} Following the 1979 season, Rein resigned as head football coach at State to accept the same position at LSU,{{cite web|url=http://www.gopack.com/news/2015/9/15/FB_0915153652.aspx|title=SEC Network to Air Documentary on Bo Rein|website=NC State University|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111914/http://www.gopack.com/news/2015/9/15/FB_0915153652.aspx|url-status=live}} but Rein died in a plane crash before ever coaching a game for the Tigers.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnola.com/sports/sports-blogs/rene-nadeau/599043-remembering-bo-rein-the-lsu-coach-who-never-was.html|title=SportsNOLA|access-date=2014-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304024104/http://www.sportsnola.com/sports/sports-blogs/rene-nadeau/599043-remembering-bo-rein-the-lsu-coach-who-never-was.html|archive-date=2014-03-04|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=http://notredame.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=620289|title=BlueandGold.com – The tragic story of Bo Rein|work=rivals.com|date=17 December 2006 |access-date=2014-02-28|archive-date=2014-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304151518/http://notredame.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=620289|url-status=live}} Following every season, the NC State football team awards the "Bo Rein Award" to a player that makes a vital contribution in an unsung role.{{cite web|url=https://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/572804/Remembering-Red-Dragon-legend-Bo-Rein.html?nav=5024|title=News, Sports, Jobs - Tribune Chronicle|website=www.tribtoday.com|access-date=2014-03-02|archive-date=2016-08-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804034833/https://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/572804/Remembering-Red-Dragon-legend-Bo-Rein.html?nav=5024|url-status=live}}

After Rein's departure, NC State hired Arkansas defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, father of Ole Miss and former Florida Atlantic, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee and USC head coach Lane Kiffin,{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/story/lane-kiffin-monte-kiffin-tennessee-volunteers-usc-trojans-alabama-crimson-tide-061016|title=Monte Kiffin feared for his life the night Lane Kiffin left Tennessee for USC - FOX Sports|date=10 June 2016|access-date=8 April 2017|archive-date=9 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111248/http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/story/lane-kiffin-monte-kiffin-tennessee-volunteers-usc-trojans-alabama-crimson-tide-061016|url-status=live}} as head coach.{{cite web|url=http://www.wralsportsfan.com/the-kiffin-years-helped-set-tone-at-nc-state/12948188/|title=The Kiffin years helped set tone at NC State|author=WRALSportsFan|work=WRALSportsFan.com|date=October 2013|access-date=2014-03-01|archive-date=2014-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301203323/http://www.wralsportsfan.com/the-kiffin-years-helped-set-tone-at-nc-state/12948188/|url-status=live}} Kiffin served three seasons at State and his teams compiled a 16–17 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/monte-kiffin-1.html|title=Monte Kiffin|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314142540/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/monte-kiffin-1.html|url-status=live}} Kiffin's defensive coordinator during his three seasons at NCSU was Pete Carroll.{{Cite web |url=http://bulletin.ncsu.edu/2014/01/super-bowl/ |title=Super Bowl's Wolfpack Connection :: North Carolina State University Bulletin |access-date=2014-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301203948/http://bulletin.ncsu.edu/2014/01/super-bowl/ |archive-date=2014-03-01 |url-status=dead }} Kiffin decided to leave NCSU after three seasons to pursue coaching opportunities in the NFL.

Tom Reed was hired away from Miami (OH) to take over as head coach of the Wolfpack after Kiffin's departure.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1979&dat=19821222&id=YosxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LaoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1647,9172905|work=The Sumter Daily Item|via=Google News Archive Search|title=The Sumter Daily Item - Google News Archive Search|access-date=2015-11-17|archive-date=2015-11-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119050931/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1979&dat=19821222&id=YosxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LaoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1647,9172905|url-status=live}} State struggled under Reed's leadership, posting three consecutive 3–8 yearly records en route to a 9–24 overall mark.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/tom-reed-1.html|title=Tom Reed|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314130503/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/tom-reed-1.html|url-status=live}} Under mounting pressure from fans, alumni and the school administration, Reed resigned after the 1985 season.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1665&dat=19851211&id=AEoaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=byYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6350,8795726|work=The Times-News|via=Google News Archive Search|title=The Times-News - Google News Archive Search|access-date=2015-11-17|archive-date=2015-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118215352/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1665&dat=19851211&id=AEoaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=byYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6350,8795726|url-status=live}}

State chose Dick Sheridan, head coach at Furman, to take over as head coach of the Wolfpack football program in late 1986.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19930630&id=R7BOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6BQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4101,5585147|work=Star-News|via=Google News Archive Search|title=Star-News - Google News Archive Search|access-date=2015-11-17|archive-date=2015-11-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119042845/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19930630&id=R7BOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6BQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4101,5585147|url-status=live}} Under the tutelage of coach Sheridan, the Wolfpack compiled a record of 52–29–3.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/dick-sheridan-1.html|title=Dick Sheridan|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314095422/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/dick-sheridan-1.html|url-status=live}} State made six bowl appearances (two wins) and finished ranked in either the AP or Coaches poll three times. Sheridan retired unexpectedly after seven seasons, citing health concerns and emotional issues.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-06-30-sp-8449-story.html|title=North Carolina State Football Coach Quits|work=Los Angeles Times|date=30 June 1993 |access-date=2020-02-20|archive-date=2016-03-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307033928/http://articles.latimes.com/1993-06-30/sports/sp-8449_1_north-carolina-state|url-status=live}}

Mike O'Cain was promoted from quarterbacks coach to head coach after Sheridan's retirement.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1993/06/30/sheridan-quits-at-nc-state/|title=Sheridan Quits At N.c. State|website=Chicago Tribune |date=30 June 1993 |access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112341/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1993-06-30/sports/9306300070_1_quarterback-coach-mike-o-cain-football-coach-jim-valvano|url-status=live}} Under O'Cain, the Wolfpack compiled a record of 41–40.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/mike-ocain-1.html|title=Mike O'Cain|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314142532/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/mike-ocain-1.html|url-status=live}} O'Cain's seven-year tenure saw three bowl appearances, including a win in the 1994 Peach Bowl. The latter part of O'Cain's tenure saw mostly mediocre teams. His 1995 and 1996 teams finished with 3–8 records,{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1995-schedule.html|title=1995 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930040221/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1995-schedule.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1996-schedule.html|title=1996 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930035617/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1996-schedule.html|url-status=live}} and although the Wolfpack improved to finish 6–5,{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1997-schedule.html|title=1997 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930040322/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1997-schedule.html|url-status=live}} 7–5{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1998-schedule.html|title=1998 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930040848/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1998-schedule.html|url-status=live}} and 6–6{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1999-schedule.html|title=1999 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930040726/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/1999-schedule.html|url-status=live}} the next three years, he went 0–7 against archrival North Carolina.{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.ca/football/college/news/1999/11/24/ncstate_ocain_ap/|title=O'Cain fired as head coach at N.C. State|date=November 24, 1999|website=Sports Illustrated|access-date=2014-03-01|archive-date=2014-03-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306061615/http://sportsillustrated.ca/football/college/news/1999/11/24/ncstate_ocain_ap/|url-status=dead}} NCSU fired O'Cain after the 1999 season.

File:Philip Rivers 2006-10-01.jpg

In 2000, longtime college football assistant and NCSU alum Chuck Amato was hired as State's head football coach.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nc-state-hires-new-fb-coach/|title=N.C. State Hires New FB Coach|date=24 November 1999|work=cbsnews.com|access-date=16 April 2020|archive-date=30 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930084215/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nc-state-hires-new-fb-coach/|url-status=live}} Although Amato had no head coaching or coordinating experience, NCSU felt that Amato's 18-year tenure as defensive line coach under Bobby Bowden at Florida State, winning two national championships, would help boost recruiting, ticket sales, and program prestige.{{cite web|url=http://www.gopack.com/news/2000/1/6/Chuck_Amato_Named_NC_State_Head_Football_Coach.aspx|title=Chuck Amato Named NC State Head Football Coach|website=NC State University|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112243/http://www.gopack.com/news/2000/1/6/Chuck_Amato_Named_NC_State_Head_Football_Coach.aspx|url-status=live}}

Amato accumulated an overall record of 49–37, including a record of 34–17 during the four-year period from 2000 through 2003 while Philip Rivers was the Wolfpack's starting quarterback.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/chuck-amato-1.html|title=Chuck Amato|work=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2018-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314142528/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/chuck-amato-1.html|url-status=live}} Amato's most successful season was in 2002 when the Wolfpack won a school-record 11 games and defeated Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl. That team finished ranked No. 12 in the AP poll, their highest final ranking in 29 years.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=230010087|title=NC State vs. Notre Dame - Game Recap - January 1, 2003 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=April 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112243/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=230010087|url-status=dead}} Amato's tenure in Raleigh crested after Rivers graduated and left for the NFL. The Wolfpack finished 5–6 in 2004,{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2004-schedule.html|title=2004 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805110321/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2004-schedule.html|url-status=live}} 7–5 in 2005,{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2005-schedule.html|title=2005 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805110034/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2005-schedule.html|url-status=live}} and 3–9 in 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2006-schedule.html|title=2006 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805102939/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2006-schedule.html|url-status=live}} On November 26, 2006, Amato was fired by NC State athletics director Lee Fowler after a seven–game losing streak capped off the 2006 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2676855|title=ESPN|date=27 November 2006|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2014-03-01|archive-date=2015-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118043508/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2676855|url-status=live}} Noted losses include an upset by Akron,{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=262520152|title=Akron vs. NC State - Game Recap - September 9, 2006 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=April 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111553/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=262520152|url-status=dead}} a third straight loss to archrival North Carolina,{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=263220153|title=NC State vs. North Carolina - Game Recap - November 18, 2006 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=April 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403111109/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=263220153|url-status=dead}} and a loss at home to East Carolina.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/263290152|title=East Carolina vs. NC State - Game Recap - November 25, 2006 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=April 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111831/http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/263290152|url-status=dead}} Highlights of the 2006 season include wins against Boston College{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=262660152|title=Boston College vs. NC State - Game Recap - September 23, 2006 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=April 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111833/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=262660152|url-status=dead}} and Florida State.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=262780152|title=Florida State vs. NC State - Game Recap - October 5, 2006 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=April 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111711/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=262780152|url-status=dead}} In a statement, Fowler acknowledged Amato's "excitement and enthusiasm." He continued, "This enthusiasm fueled an $87 million renovation to Carter–Finley Stadium." Nonetheless, mediocre 2005 and 2006 seasons led to the decision "to take the program in a new direction."http://www.newsobserver.com/496/story/514968.html {{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Even with Rivers as quarterback, Amato's teams never won more than five games in conference play, and actually finished six games under .500 in ACC play.

File:Tom OBrien at NCSU 2007.jpg

Tom O'Brien was hired away from Boston College and named NCSU head football coach in December 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2689220|title=ESPN|date=7 December 2006|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2014-03-02|archive-date=2013-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729120514/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2689220|url-status=live}} He inherited a team that had gone 3–9 and lost its last seven games. In his first year, after opening the season 1–5,{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2007-schedule.html|title=2007 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930040503/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2007-schedule.html|url-status=live}} his team pulled together and won four straight games, including a win over 18th-ranked Virginia{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=273000152|title=Virginia vs. NC State - Game Recap - October 27, 2007 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=April 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112108/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=273000152|url-status=dead}} and tough road wins at East Carolina{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=272930151|title=NC State vs. East Carolina - Game Recap - October 20, 2007 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=April 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111506/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=272930151|url-status=dead}} and Miami.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=273072390|title=NC State vs. Miami - Game Recap - November 3, 2007 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=April 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112600/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=273072390|url-status=dead}} Despite the slow start, his first Wolfpack squad went into the season finale with a bowl bid on the line.{{cite web|url=http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/obrien_tom00.html|title=Tom O'Brien Bio|publisher=NC State|access-date=2011-01-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115232333/http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/obrien_tom00.html|archive-date=2011-11-15}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gopack.com/photos/schools/ncst/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/champsguide.pdf|title=2010 Champs Sports Bowl Media Guide|publisher=NC State|access-date=2011-01-04}} {{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

The 2008 season will go down as one of the best of O'Brien's tenure, as the Wolfpack became the first in Atlantic Coast Conference history to start the season 0–4 in league play and finish 4–0, with an overall record of 6–7.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2008-schedule.html|title=2008 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930041053/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2008-schedule.html|url-status=live}} The bid to the Papajohns.com Bowl marked the ninth bowl invitation in the past 10 years for O'Brien.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=283640164|title=NC State vs. Rutgers - Game Recap - December 29, 2008 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=February 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219171138/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=283640164|url-status=dead}} His freshman quarterback, Russell Wilson, who would go on to become a Super Bowl winning quarterback for the NFL's Seattle Seahawks,{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/super/2014/02/02/russell-wilson-stands-tall-seattle-seahawks/5173905/|title=Russell Wilson stands tall for Seahawks in Super Bowl|website=USA Today|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409125835/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/super/2014/02/02/russell-wilson-stands-tall-seattle-seahawks/5173905/|url-status=live}} became the first rookie in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference to be named first-team all-conference at his position and it marked the sixth time in his 19 years in the league that a quarterback under O'Brien's tutelage was named the All-ACC signal caller. In 2009, the Wolfpack posted wins over Pittsburgh of the Big East{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=292690152|title=Pittsburgh vs. NC State - Game Recap - September 26, 2009 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=April 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112405/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=292690152|url-status=dead}} and a third-straight win over North Carolina,{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/293320152|title=North Carolina vs. NC State - Game Recap - November 28, 2009 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=January 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114212246/http://www.espn.com/ncf/recap/_/id/293320152|url-status=dead}} but was decimated by injuries and finished the season 5–7.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2009-schedule.html|title=2009 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930040210/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2009-schedule.html|url-status=live}}

After being picked to finish fourth in the Atlantic Division in the preseason in 2010,{{cite web|url=http://www.scout.com/college/north-carolina-state/story/986552-pack-picked-fourth-in-atlantic|title=Pack Picked Fourth in Atlantic|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112941/http://www.scout.com/college/north-carolina-state/story/986552-pack-picked-fourth-in-atlantic|url-status=live}} the Wolfpack finished with a record of 9–4 and tied for second in the ACC,{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2010-schedule.html|title=2010 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930040201/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2010-schedule.html|url-status=live}} was one game away from playing for an ACC title and was the third league team picked in the bowl selections. O'Brien's squad was the first Wolfpack team to garner nine wins since 2003 posted State's first winning season in five years. With the Champs Sports Bowl victory over West Virginia,{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=303620152|title=West Virginia vs. NC State - Game Recap - December 28, 2010 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 8, 2017|archive-date=April 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112106/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=303620152|url-status=dead}} the 2010 squad tied the second highest win total in school history while finishing 9–4. In 2011, led by future Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback Mike Glennon,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18835830/tampa-bay-buccaneers-offered-deal-make-mike-glennon-highest-paid-backup-quarterback|title=Source: Bucs made big offer to keep Glennon|date=2017-03-06|access-date=2017-04-08|archive-date=2017-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409112537/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18835830/tampa-bay-buccaneers-offered-deal-make-mike-glennon-highest-paid-backup-quarterback|url-status=live}} the Wolfpack had an 8–5 record.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2011-schedule.html|title=2011 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930035814/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2011-schedule.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-11/acc/2011-nc-state-wolfpack-football-schedule.php|title=2011 NC State Wolfpack Football Schedule|work=FBSchedules.com|access-date=2014-03-01|archive-date=2014-04-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420012601/http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-11/acc/2011-nc-state-wolfpack-football-schedule.php|url-status=live}}

On November 25, 2012, O'Brien received notice from NC State that he had been dismissed effective immediately despite navigating the team to a 7–5 regular-season record.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2012-schedule.html|title=2012 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930040702/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2012-schedule.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/8674086/tom-obrien-fired-head-coach-north-carolina-state-wolfpack|title=Tom O'Brien fired as head coach of North Carolina State Wolfpack|publisher=ESPN|date=2012-11-25|access-date=2014-03-01|archive-date=2014-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426045828/http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8674086/tom-obrien-fired-head-coach-north-carolina-state-wolfpack|url-status=live}} Athletic director Debbie Yow cited several reasons. She was concerned over lagging season-ticket sales, as well as his approach to recruiting. O'Brien's recruiting classes were frequently in the bottom half of the nation, and Yow wanted a coach who could bring top 25-type talent to Raleigh. NCSU was obligated to pay $1.2 million of non-state funds to O'Brien, as his contract ran through the 2015 season.{{cite web |url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/11/25/3687486/tom-obrien-ousted-at-nc-state.html |title=Tom O'Brien ousted at N.C. State | CharlotteObserver.com |access-date=2013-01-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126104236/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/11/25/3687486/tom-obrien-ousted-at-nc-state.html |archive-date=2012-11-26 }} NCSU ultimately paid O'Brien only $200,000 after the buyout was renegotiated so he could become an assistant at Virginia.{{cite web|last=Vannini|first=Chris|title=Breaking: Tom O'Brien returning to Virginia as assistant coach|url=http://coachingsearch.com/bio/2154-breaking-tom-obrien-returning-to-virginia-as-assistant-coach.html|publisher=CoachingSearch.com|access-date=January 3, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130215182623/http://coachingsearch.com/bio/2154-breaking-tom-obrien-returning-to-virginia-as-assistant-coach.html|archive-date=February 15, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

On December 1, 2012, Debbie Yow announced that Northern Illinois head coach Dave Doeren would be the new head coach of the Wolfpack.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/8698510/dave-doeren-hired-north-carolina-state-wolfpack-coach|title=Dave Doeren hired as North Carolina State Wolfpack coach|publisher=ESPN|date=December 2012|access-date=2014-03-02|archive-date=2013-12-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228175642/http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8698510/dave-doeren-hired-north-carolina-state-wolfpack-coach|url-status=live}} His initial signed contract paid $1.8 million annually.{{cite web|url=http://www.wralsportsfan.com/doeren-s-contract-details-potential-bonuses-perks/11851613/|title=Doeren's contract details potential bonuses, perks|date=6 December 2012|access-date=12 August 2014|publisher=WRAL|location=Raleigh, N.C.|archive-date=12 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812205536/http://www.wralsportsfan.com/doeren-s-contract-details-potential-bonuses-perks/11851613/|url-status=live}} In Doeren's first season at the helm, the Wolfpack compiled a record of 3–9 and failed to win an ACC game.{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimorenewsjournal.com/2013/11/30/maryland-beats-nc-state-41-21/|title=Site Unavailable|work=baltimorenewsjournal.com|access-date=2014-03-02|archive-date=2014-12-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205082133/http://www.baltimorenewsjournal.com/2013/11/30/maryland-beats-nc-state-41-21/|url-status=live}} In his second season, they improved to 8–5 (one of the fastest turnarounds in school history),{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2014-schedule.html|title=2014 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930040107/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2014-schedule.html|url-status=live}} and won the 2014 St. Petersburg Bowl.{{cite web|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/college/football/article9250028.html|title=NC State holds off UCF 34-27 in Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl|access-date=2017-04-07|archive-date=2017-04-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408082050/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/college/football/article9250028.html|url-status=live}} They also posted a decisive 35–7 win against archrival North Carolina.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400547801|title=NC State Wolfpack vs North Carolina Tar Heels – Recap|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2015-01-03|archive-date=2015-01-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103230756/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?id=400547801|url-status=live}} Doeren accomplished all this with the 3rd youngest team in the nation.{{cite web|url=http://www.wralsportsfan.com/ncsu/forum_topic/13952852/?d_comments_page=1|title=NC State has 3rd youngest team among FBS 128|author=WRALSportsFan|work=WRALSportsFan.com|date=5 September 2014|access-date=2015-01-03|archive-date=2015-01-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103225411/http://www.wralsportsfan.com/ncsu/forum_topic/13952852/?d_comments_page=1|url-status=live}}

The next year, Doeren's team finished 7–6,{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2015-schedule.html|title=2015 North Carolina State Wolfpack Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-03-31|archive-date=2017-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930035905/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/2015-schedule.html|url-status=live}} losing the 2015 Belk Bowl.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400852728|title=NC State vs. Mississippi State - Game Recap - December 30, 2015 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 7, 2017|archive-date=April 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407144730/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400852728|url-status=live}} The team was led by quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who was eventually selected by the New England Patriots in the 2016 NFL draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.patriots.com/news/2016/06/16/patriots-sign-third-round-draft-pick-qb-jacoby-brissett|title=Patriots sign third-round draft pick QB Jacoby Brissett|date=16 June 2016|access-date=7 April 2017|archive-date=8 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408083230/http://www.patriots.com/news/2016/06/16/patriots-sign-third-round-draft-pick-qb-jacoby-brissett|url-status=live}} For the 2016 season, the Wolfpack again finished 7–6. NC State began the season with a victory over William & Mary.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869422|title=William & Mary vs. NC State - Game Recap - September 1, 2016 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 7, 2017|archive-date=April 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429062315/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869422|url-status=live}} After losing the following week to East Carolina,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869435|title=NC State vs. East Carolina - Game Recap - September 10, 2016 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 7, 2017|archive-date=April 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408081731/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869435|url-status=live}} State won three straight, defeating Old Dominion,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869360|title=Old Dominion vs. NC State - Game Recap - September 17, 2016 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 7, 2017|archive-date=April 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408082355/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869360|url-status=live}} Wake Forest{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869456|title=Wake Forest vs. NC State - Game Recap - October 1, 2016 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 7, 2017|archive-date=April 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408082500/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869456|url-status=live}} and Notre Dame (in a game infamously played during Hurricane Matthew).{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400868951|title=Notre Dame vs. NC State - Game Recap - October 8, 2016 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 7, 2017|archive-date=April 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408081913/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400868951|url-status=live}} NC State would then lose four games in a row, first in a heartbreaker against No. 3 Clemson,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869462|title=NC State vs. Clemson - Game Recap - October 15, 2016 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 7, 2017|archive-date=May 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513020433/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869462|url-status=live}} then to No. 7 Louisville,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869469|title=NC State vs. Louisville - Game Recap - October 22, 2016 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 7, 2017|archive-date=April 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408082211/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869469|url-status=live}} and finally to Boston College{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869472|title=Boston College vs. NC State - Game Recap - October 29, 2016 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 7, 2017|archive-date=April 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408082531/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869472|url-status=live}} and No. 19 Florida State.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869479|title=Florida State vs. NC State - Game Recap - November 5, 2016 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 7, 2017|archive-date=April 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429033815/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869479|url-status=live}} The Wolfpack would close the season with a win over Syracuse,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869488|title=NC State vs. Syracuse - Game Recap - November 12, 2016 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 7, 2017|archive-date=April 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408082002/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869488|url-status=live}} a loss to Miami,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869495|title=Miami vs. NC State - Game Recap - November 19, 2016 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 7, 2017|archive-date=April 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409021028/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869495|url-status=live}} a victory in the regular season finale against archrival North Carolina{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869497|title=NC State vs. North Carolina - Game Recap - November 25, 2016 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 7, 2017|archive-date=April 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423002115/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869497|url-status=live}} and a win over Vanderbilt in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400876092|title=NC State vs. Vanderbilt - Game Recap - December 26, 2016 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 7, 2017|archive-date=April 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408082248/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400876092|url-status=live}}

On Thursday, October 5, 2017, at 8:00 pm, NC State played Louisville where quarterbacks Ryan Finley (NCSU) and Lamar Jackson (LOU) faced off in front of a national TV audience on ESPN College Football Thursday Primetime. Ryan Finley threw the football for 367 yards and Lamar Jackson threw the football for 354 yards. NC State won its first ACC divisional match-up against Louisville, with a final score of 39–25.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400937487|title=Louisville vs. NC State - Game Summary - October 5, 2017 - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=October 6, 2017|archive-date=October 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006212310/http://www.espn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400937487|url-status=live}} On February 24, 2022, Doeren and NC State agreed to terms on a raise and contract extension that would keep the coach in Raleigh through 2026.{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/33362363/nc-state-extends-head-football-coach-dave-doeren-2026 | title=NC State extends Doeren through 2026 season | date=24 February 2022 }}

As of November 25, 2023, Dave Doeren's teams have defeated archrival UNC 3 consecutive years and he has amassed an overall 7-4 record against the in state rival.

NC State has been both independent and affiliated with multiple conferences.{{cite book|author=Mark Pollak|title=The Playing Grounds of College Football|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gH56DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA110|date=November 16, 2018|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-1-4766-3260-5|page=277}}

• Independent (1892–1897)
• Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (1898–1906)
• South Atlantic Intercollegiate Athletic Association (1907–1921)
• Southern Conference (1922–1952)
• Atlantic Coast Conference (1953–present){{Cite web |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/index.html |title=North Carolina State Wolfpack Football Record by Year |access-date=2019-01-26 |archive-date=2019-03-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330184652/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/index.html |url-status=live }}

NC State has won 11 conference championships in three different conferences.{{cite web |title=2018 Media Guide |url=https://gopack.com/documents/2018/7/25/2018MEDIAGUIDE.pdf |website=gopack.com |publisher=NC State Athletics |access-date=2019-01-26 |archive-date=2019-01-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125073124/https://gopack.com/documents/2018/7/25/2018MEDIAGUIDE.pdf |url-status=live }}{{rp|150–156}}http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/acc/north_carolina_state/championships.php {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216061633/http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/acc/north_carolina_state/championships.php |date=2010-02-16 }} College Football Data Warehouse: North Carolina State Composite Championship Listing

† Co-champion

‡ On-field record was 4–3, but adjusted to 5–2 due to South Carolina's use of an ineligible player, resulting in an ACC co-championship

There have been 33 head coaches at NC State."North Carolina State All-Time Scores." ESPN College Football Encyclopedia. 2005.{{better source needed|date=April 2018}}

NC State has participated in 36 bowl games as of the conclusion of the 2024 season, amassing a record of 17–18–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/bowls.html|title=North Carolina State Wolfpack Bowls - College Football at Sports-Reference.com|website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com|access-date=2018-08-22|archive-date=2018-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823005812/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/bowls.html|url-status=live}}

NC State rankings in final AP and Coaches polls.{{cite web | url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina-state/polls.html | title=North Carolina State Wolfpack AP Poll History }}

From 1891 until 1907, the school's first teams played on the open fields that surrounded campus, either at Pullen Park, at the old North Carolina State Fairgrounds or on the farm tracts on the "other" side of the railroad tracks. In 1907, faculty members, alumni and students began collecting money to enclose a large tract of land behind the Main Building that would become the home of the football and baseball teams. The Aggies played their first game there against Randolph Macon, recording a 20–0 win. Wooden grandstands slowly rose on the site, and it was named Riddick Field in 1912, after popular professor W.C. Riddick, who is remembered as the father of athletics at the school.{{cite web|url=http://www.ncsu.edu/homecoming/2009/02/page2.php|title=Maintaining a sense of place and history|publisher=NC State|access-date=2010-12-20|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926022800/http://www.ncsu.edu/homecoming/2009/02/page2.php|archive-date=2011-09-26}}

The stadium did not age gracefully. At its height, it only had 14,000 permanent seats[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19970226&id=ZbVOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ixUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3385,4056802&hl=en Longtime NCSU football coach dead at 88] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209004251/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19970226&id=ZbVOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ixUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3385,4056802&hl=en |date=2015-12-09 }}. Associated Press, 1997-02-26. and never held more than 23,000 seats total.

File:Carter-Finley Stadium 1.jpg

Although Riddick Stadium was considered obsolete as early as the 1950s, it wasn't until 1966 that Riddick was replaced with a much more modern stadium. It was named Carter Stadium in honor of Harry C. & Wilbert J. "Nick" Carter, both graduates of the university. They were major contributors to the original building of the stadium. In 1979, it became Carter–Finley Stadium, named after Albert E. Finley, another major philanthropist and contributor to the university. The stadium's seating capacity is 56,919.

Carter-Finley has been the home to some of the school's most decorated athletes: Gerald Warren, Dennis Byrd, the Buckey twins (Don and Dave), ACC-career rushing leader Ted Brown, Joe McIntosh, Erik Kramer, Jamie Barnette, Torry Holt, ACC-passing leader Philip Rivers, NFL No. 1 pick Mario Williams, and Russell Wilson.

On October 8, 2016, NC State celebrated its 50th season at Carter–Finley Stadium with a dramatic 10–3 win over Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the driving rain in the middle of Hurricane Matthew. NC State boasted a 2–0 record against the Fighting Irish, winning both of their meetings up to that time by a combined score of 38–9. In both games, Notre Dame had yet to score a touchdown against the Wolfpack.

Since the 1960s, the Wolfpack has been represented at athletic events by its mascots, Mr. and Ms. Wuf. In print, the 'Strutting Wolf' is used and is known by the name 'Tuffy.' In September 2010, a purebred Tamaskan Dog became the new live mascot.[http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/09/18/687991/tuffys-tryout-at-game-pleases.html Tuffy's mascot tryout at game pleases N.C. State officials] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202021242/http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/09/18/687991/tuffys-tryout-at-game-pleases.html |date=2010-12-02 }} September 2010[http://www.dailytarheel.com/index.php/blog/on_the_wire/2010/09/nc_state_to_use_tamaskan_dog_for_mascot NC State to use Tamaskan Dog for Mascot] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124102455/http://www.dailytarheel.com/index.php/blog/on_the_wire/2010/09/nc_state_to_use_tamaskan_dog_for_mascot |date=2010-11-24 }} September 2010[http://www.peoplepets.com/photos/cute/the-cutest-live-college-mascots/5 The Cutest Live College Mascots] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228214658/http://www.peoplepets.com/photos/cute/the-cutest-live-college-mascots/5 |date=2010-12-28 }} September 2010[https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=115054155219579 Tuffy Tamaskan] September 2010[http://www.gopack.com/graphics/html_files/tuffy-page/index.html Tuffy's Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017185458/http://www.gopack.com/graphics/html_files/tuffy-page/index.html |date=2011-10-17 }} October 2010

{{Main|Textile Bowl}}

Bordering state rival Clemson leads the all-time series over NC State 60–31–1 through the 2023 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/north-carolina-state/vs/clemson|title=Winsipedia - North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Clemson Tigers football series history|website=winsipedia.com|access-date=2018-08-22|archive-date=2018-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822045927/http://www.winsipedia.com/north-carolina-state/vs/clemson|url-status=live}} The name of the rivalry is derived from the textile industry which has historical importance to the economies of both North Carolina and South Carolina and the fact that both schools are among the largest university-level textile schools in the world.{{Cite web |last=Friedlander |first=Brett |date=2019-11-08 |title=Why is the State-Clemson game called the Textile Bowl? |url=https://www.si.com/college/ncstate/football/state-clemson-textile-bowl |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=Sports Illustrated NC State Wolfpack News, Analysis and More |language=en}} Both NC State and Clemson were members of the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference, and thus played each other every year. The rivalry game is no longer protected in the expanded ACC and therefore will not be played every year going forward.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/38782069/breaking-acc-football-matchups-2030|title=ESPN - Breaking down ACC football's matchups through 2030|website=ESPN|date=30 October 2023 }} The two schools did play during the 2023 season in Raleigh, with NC State emerging victorious, 24-17, and at Clemson during the 2024 season with Clemson winning 59-35. The Wolfpack has now split two out of the last four meetings against the Tigers.

This game is part of the larger Tobacco Road rivalry between North Carolina Power 5 universities NC State, North Carolina, Duke and Wake Forest. The series with Duke dates back to 1924 and was played every year uninterrupted from then until 2003 except for 1944.{{Cite web |title=NC State University Athletics Football History vs Duke University |url=https://gopack.com/sports/football/opponent-history/duke/13 |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=NC State University Athletics |language=en}} After the Atlantic Coast Conference split into non-geographical divisions in 2004,{{Cite web |last=PARSONS |first=KEITH |title=ACC finally full with 12 teams for 2005 |url=https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2005/08/23/acc-finally-full-with-12-teams-for-2005/31701540007/ |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=Gainesville Sun |language=en-US}} the Wolfpack and Blue Devils were placed in opposite divisions and weren't designated as each other's annual cross divisional opponent, thereby ending the annual series and making the rivalry intermittent.{{Cite web |last=Bradham |first=Matthew |date=2020-10-16 |title=NC State vs. Duke: SERIES BREAKDOWN |url=https://packinsider.com/2020/10/16/nc-state-vs-duke-series-breakdown/ |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=Pack Insider |language=en-US}}https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/nc-state/article280018439.html {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}} With the ACC ending the divisional format after the 2022 season in favor of an arrangement that calls for three annual conference opponents with five rotating, the four North Carolina schools were designated as all three of each other's annual conference opponents, thus reviving the annual series between the Wolfpack and Blue Devils for the foreseeable future.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-28 |title=ACC latest to drop divisions, starting in 2023 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/34161354/acc-drop-divisions-format-permanent-rivalries-starting-2023 |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Mitchell |date=2022-06-28 |title=ACC Drops Divisional Model, Moves to 3-5-5 Format |url=https://www.si.com/college/bostoncollege/football/acc-gets-rid-of-divisions-scheduling-changes |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=Sports Illustrated Boston College Eagles News, Analysis and More |language=en}} Duke dominated the early years of the rivalry but NC State has won 15 of 20 since 1990.{{Cite web |title=Duke football vs. NC State: Top recent games in Blue Devils-Wolfpack rivalry |url=https://www.fayobserver.com/story/sports/college/acc/2023/10/11/duke-football-vs-nc-state-rivalry-history/71118580007/ |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=The Fayetteville Observer |language=en-US}} Duke leads the all-time series 43–37–5.{{Cite web |title=Winsipedia - North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Duke Blue Devils football series history games list |url=https://www.winsipedia.com/games/north-carolina-state/vs/duke |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=Winsipedia |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=mcubed.net : NCAA Football : Series Records : Duke vs. North Carolina State |url=https://mcubed.net/ncaaf/series/duke/ncst.shtml?expand_article=1 |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=mcubed.net}}https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/duke/article280349494.html {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}

{{Main|East Carolina–NC State rivalry#Football}}

NC State leads the all-time series with non-Tobacco Road in-state rival East Carolina 19–14 with the most recent game being played in 2024, which resulted in NC State losing to East Carolina 26-21 in the 2024 Go Bowling Military Bowl in Annapolis, MD.{{cite web|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/north-carolina-state/vs/east-carolina|title=Winsipedia - North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. East Carolina Pirates football series history|website=winsipedia.com|access-date=2018-08-22|archive-date=2018-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822050047/http://www.winsipedia.com/north-carolina-state/vs/east-carolina|url-status=live}} The NC State and East Carolina rivalry dates back to the first meeting between the two schools in 1970, when they began playing on an annual basis which lasted until 1987. The two schools will next play during the 2025 season in Raleigh. Both schools have other larger and more prominent rivalries, but this series does stir up passion in both Greenville and Raleigh.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-01 |title=The Legend of the Victory Barrel |url=https://news.ncsu.edu/2022/09/the-legend-of-the-victory-barrel/ |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=NC State News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Bradham |first=Matthew |date=2022-08-27 |title=The History of the NC State vs. ECU Football Rivalry |url=https://packinsider.com/2022/08/27/the-history-of-the-nc-state-vs-ecu-football-rivalry/ |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=Pack Insider |language=en-US}}https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/nc-state/article265081194.html {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}

{{Main|North Carolina–NC State football rivalry}}

This game is part of the larger Tobacco Road rivalry between North Carolina Power 5 universities NC State, North Carolina, Duke and Wake Forest. The Wolfpack's rivalry with North Carolina is generally regarded as the most prominent college football game in the state of North Carolina.{{Cite web |date=2018-07-19 |title=North Carolina – N.C. State: the rivalry America doesn't care about {{!}} FanRag Sports |url=https://www.fanragsports.com/cfb/north-carolina-nc-state-the-rivalry-america-doesnt-care-about/ |access-date=2024-04-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719024459/https://www.fanragsports.com/cfb/north-carolina-nc-state-the-rivalry-america-doesnt-care-about/ |archive-date=2018-07-19 }} The Tar Heels lead the all-time series 68–40–6 through the 2024 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/north-carolina-state/vs/north-carolina|title=Winsipedia - North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. North Carolina Tar Heels football series history|website=winsipedia.com|access-date=2018-08-22|archive-date=2018-08-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807001540/http://www.winsipedia.com/north-carolina-state/vs/north-carolina|url-status=live}} The game is played annually at the end of every season during Thanksgiving week. Since the formation of the ACC in 1953, North Carolina leads the series 37–35, and NC State holds a 16–9 series advantage since 2000, including winning 13 out of the last 18 games against UNC-Chapel Hill. Previously, the two schools were members of separate divisions in the Atlantic Coast Conference, but were designated as cross-over rivals, and thus played each other every year. As the ACC has expanded, the State-Carolina game has been designated as a protected rivalry, and the two schools will continue to play against each other on a yearly basis.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/38782069/breaking-acc-football-matchups-2030|title=ESPN - Breaking down ACC football's matchups through 2030|website=ESPN|date=30 October 2023 }} NC State has won the last 4 games in the series, winning the latest contest by a score of 35-30.{{cite web| title=North Carolina State Wolfpack Football Future Schedules| publisher=FBSchedules.com| url=https://fbschedules.com/ncaa/nc-state/| access-date=September 11, 2022}} Current head coach Dave Doeren is 8-4 against Carolina, including a 5-1 record in Chapel Hill.

{{Main|NC State–Wake Forest rivalry#Football}}

This game is part of the larger Tobacco Road rivalry between North Carolina Power 5 universities NC State, North Carolina, Duke and Wake Forest. NC State leads the all-time series with Wake Forest 69–42–6 through the 2023 season, with NC State winning the latest contest, 26-6.{{cite web|url=http://www.winsipedia.com/north-carolina-state/vs/wake-forest|title=Winsipedia - North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons football series history|website=winsipedia.com|access-date=2018-08-22|archive-date=2018-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822045938/http://www.winsipedia.com/north-carolina-state/vs/wake-forest|url-status=live}} The rivalry game holds the distinction as the longest continuous rivalry between 2 ACC schools, and currently it is the second longest active streak in the nation. NC State and Wake Forest have played consecutively every year since 1910.http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2016/FBS.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}

The two schools last played during the 2024 season in Raleigh, with Wake Forest winning 34-30.

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award

:Dick Sheridan{{cite web | url=https://chick-fil-apeachbowl.com/sports/2020/5/29/previous-winners.aspx | title=Previous Winners }} – (1986)

• Lou Groza Award

:Marc Primanti{{cite web | url=https://www.lougrozaaward.com/previouswinners | title=Previous Winners | PB Sports Commission - Lou Groza }} – (1996)

:Chris Dunn – (2022)

• Outland Trophy

:Jim Ritcher{{cite web | url=https://www.sportswriters.net/fwaa/awards/outland-trophy | title=FWAA Outland Trophy }} – (1979)

• Jack Tatum Trophy

:David Amerson{{cite web | url=https://www.wralsportsfan.com/ncsu/story/10464901/ | title=Amerson wins Jack Tatum Award | date=5 December 2011 }} – (2011)

• Ted Hendricks Award

:Bradley Chubb{{cite web | url=https://tedhendricks.com/award.htm | title=Ted Hendricks Official Site }} – (2017)

{{col-2}}

• Bronko Nagurski Trophy

:Bradley Chubb{{cite web | url=http://www.bronkonagurski.com/awards | title=AWARDS }} – (2017)

• Rimington Trophy

:Garrett Bradbury{{cite web | url=https://www.rimingtontrophy.com/trophy/ncaa/ | title=Rimington Trophy Official Website: Past Winners }} – (2018)

• Dick Butkus Award

:Payton Wilson{{cite web | url=https://www.thebutkusaward.com/winners/ | title=Butkus Award Official Website: Winners }} - (2023)

• Chuck Bednarik Award

:Payton Wilson{{cite web | url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Bednarik_Award | title=Bednarik Award: Winners }}{{Circular reference|date=August 2024}} - (2023)

• Patrick Mannelly Award

:Joe Shimko{{cite web | url=https://theacc.com/news/2023/12/9/football-nc-states-joe-shimko-wins-2023-patrick-mannelly-award.aspx | title=NC State's Joe Shimko Wins 2023 Patrick Mannelly Award |date= December 9, 2023}} - (2023)

{{col-end}}

{{See also|College Football All-America Team}}

All records per NC State Athletics.{{cite web|url=https://www.nmnathletics.com/downloads1/43399.doc?ATCLID=1551234&SPSID=54376&SPID=3730&DB_OEM_ID=9200|title=NC State Football's History of Success|publisher=NC State|access-date=2010-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107052556/https://www.nmnathletics.com/downloads1/43399.doc?ATCLID=1551234&SPSID=54376&SPID=3730&DB_OEM_ID=9200|archive-date=2012-11-07|url-status=dead}}

• John Ripple, T (1918)
• Mack Stout (1930)
• Steve Sabol, C (1935)
• Ty Coon, T (1938, 1939)
• Elmer Costa, T (1949, 1950)
• Dick Christy, HB (1957)
• Roman Gabriel, QB (1960, 1961)
• Don Montgomery, DE (1963)
• Dennis Byrd, DT (1966, 1967)
• Fred Combs, DB (1967)
• Gerald Warren, K (1967, 1968)
• Ron Carpenter, DT (1968)
• Carey Metts, C (1968)
• Bill Yoest, G (1973)
• Stan Fritts, FB (1974)
• Don Buckey, SE (1975)
• Johnny Evans, P (1977)
• Ted Brown, RB (1978)
• Jim Ritcher, C (1978, 1979†)
• Vaughan Johnson, LB (1983)
• Nasrallah Worthen, WR (1986, 1988)
• Jesse Campbell, SS (1989, 1990)
• Mike Reid, SS (1992)
• Sebastian Savage, CB (1992)
• Steve Videtich, K (1994)
• Marc Primanti, K (1996)
• Torry Holt, WR (1998)
• Lloyd Harrison, CB (1998, 1999)
• Koren Robinson, WR (2000)
• Levar Fisher, LB (2000)
• Terrence Holt, FS (2002)
• Mario Williams, DE (2005)
• Nate Irving, LB (2010)
• David Amerson, CB (2011)
• Joe Thuney, T (2015)
• Nyheim Hines, RB/All-Purpose (2017)
• Bradley Chubb, DE (2017†)
• Garrett Bradbury, C (2018)
• Terrone Prescod, G (2018)
• Alim McNeil, DT (2020)
• Ikem Ekwonu, T (2021†)
• Chris Dunn, K (2022)
• Payton Wilson, LB (2023†)

Years in Bold indicate Consensus 1st team All-American

† Unanimous All-American

• Dennis Byrd,{{Cite web |title=All-America Teams 1965-1976 – Walter Camp Football Foundation |url=https://waltercamp.org/walter-camp-all-america-team-by-year-copy-copy-copy-2/ |access-date=2022-12-09 |language=en-US}} DE (1967)
• Bill Yoest, G (1973)
• Jim Ritcher,{{Cite web |title=All-America Teams 1977-1986 – Walter Camp Football Foundation |url=https://waltercamp.org/walter-camp-all-america-team-by-year-copy-copy-copy-2-copy/ |access-date=2022-12-09 |language=en-US}} C (1979)
• David Amerson,{{Cite web |title=All-America Teams 2007-2017 – Walter Camp Football Foundation |url=https://waltercamp.org/walter-camp-all-america-team-by-year-copy-copy-copy-2-copy-copy-copy-copy-copy/ |access-date=2022-12-09 |language=en-US}} CB (2011)
• Bradley Chubb,{{Cite web |title=2017 All America Team – Walter Camp Football Foundation |url=https://waltercamp.org/awards/all-america-team-copy-copy/ |access-date=2022-12-09 |language=en-US}} DE (2017)
• Garrett Bradbury,{{Cite web |title=2018 All America Team – Walter Camp Football Foundation |url=https://waltercamp.org/awards/all-america-team-copy-copy-copy/ |access-date=2022-12-09 |language=en-US}} C (2018)
• Ikem Ekwonu,{{Cite web|url=https://waltercamp.org/2021-walter-camp-all-america-teams-presented-by-777-partners/|title=2021 Walter Camp All-America Teams, presented by 777 Partners – Walter Camp Football Foundation}} OT (2021)
• Chris Dunn,{{Cite web |title=Introducing the 2022 Walter Camp All-America 1st and 2nd Teams – the nation's oldest college football All-America team (133rd edition) – Walter Camp Football Foundation |url=https://waltercamp.org/introducing-the-2022-walter-camp-all-america-1st-and-2nd-teams-the-nations-oldest-college-football-all-america-team-133rd-edition/ |access-date=2022-12-09 |language=en-US}} K (2022)
• Payton Wilson, LB (2023)

{{See also|List of NCAA football retired numbers}}

{{multiple image

|align=

|total_width = 450

|image1 = Roman_Gabriel,_1970.jpg

|image2 = Dick christy nc photo 1955.jpg

|image3 = Torry-Holt-Rams-vs-Jets-Nov-9-08.jpg

|footer = Fltr: Roman Gabriel, Dick Christy, and Torry Holt, who have their 18, 40, and 81 numbers retired

}}

Those jersey numbers remain available. Future players wearing these numbers will have a patch recognizing former players.{{cite web|last1=Giglio|first1=Joe|title=NC State to honor Russell Wilson, Mario Williams|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/03/25/3731721/nc-state-to-honor-russell-wilson.html|publisher=Raleigh News & Observer|access-date=18 January 2015|date=March 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119020434/http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/03/25/3731721/nc-state-to-honor-russell-wilson.html|archive-date=19 January 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web |url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/ncst/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/retiredjerseys.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2018-08-22 |archive-date=2018-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823041933/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/ncst/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/retiredjerseys.pdf |url-status=live }}

{{See also|Atlantic Coast Conference football individual awards}}

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† co-winner

{{Main|List of NC State Wolfpack in the NFL draft}}

;Number 1 overall picks

• 1962 – Roman Gabriel – QB – Oakland Raiders in the 1962 AFL Draft (signed with the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL.)
• 2006 – Mario Williams – DE – Houston Texans

{{See also|College Football Hall of Fame}}

Six former NC State players and four former head coaches have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as of 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.cfbhall.com/about/inductees/|title=Inductees - Football Players & Coaches - College Football Hall of Fame|website=www.cfbhall.com|access-date=2018-08-22|archive-date=2018-10-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002134545/https://www.cfbhall.com/about/inductees/|url-status=live}}

{{See also|Pro Football Hall of Fame}}

{{See also|Canadian Football Hall of Fame}}

The ACC schedules from 2024–2030 are available at: https://theacc.com/news/2023/10/30/acc-announces-future-conference-football-schedule-model.aspx

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website}}

{{NC State Wolfpack football navbox}}

{{North Carolina State University}}

{{Atlantic Coast Conference football navbox}}

Category:American football teams established in 1892

Category:1892 establishments in North Carolina