Under head coach Pat Popolizio, NC State wrestling has become a powerhouse program.

Whether it’s winning six straight ACC titles or not losing more than two dual meets since the 2018-19 season, the Pack is always one of the nation’s top squads and once again expects to compete with the best of the best.

“I think it’s attitude, accountability, discipline — all the things you need to be successful in life and in a sport,” Popolizo said. “It correlates well with our program and the mentality that we preach.”

One of NC State’s strengths is its strong culture, emphasizing accountability and hard work. With a loaded squad, iron sharpens iron within the program, driving wrestlers to do everything they can to maximize their potential. With this culture that permeates the entire program, NC State wrestling is not for the weak — it’s for those who are driven to be the best they can be.

“We demand a lot from our guys, both academically and athletically and even day-to-day,” Popolizio said. “I don’t think anyone’s going to put up with laziness or just someone that’s going through the motions in our program, and I think our guys take a lot of pride in that.”

Despite its talent, the Pack will look different from past seasons, most notably competing without Trent Hidlay, one of the all-time greats for Wolfpack wrestling.

Hidlay dominated opponents regularly, finishing last season with a 28-1 record. The four-time All-American was the national runner-up last season, only falling in the 197-pound title match. Along with his elite skill on the mat, the red-and-white will also miss Hidlay’s leadership.

In the absence of Hidlay, NC State will need leaders to step up and guide this year’s squad, both vocally and by setting an example. Notably, redshirt junior Isaac Trumble, redshirt senior Kai Orine and senior Ed Scott are stepping up and guiding the Wolfpack this season. All three have demonstrated tremendous ability on the mat.

Trumble returns to collegiate competition this year after redshirting last season. During his time on the sideline, Trumble competed at the USA Olympic trials and won the 97-kg title at the U23 World Championships. After success in these competitions, Trumble is ready to return to collegiate competition and wrestle at Reynolds Coliseum.

This year, Trumble is transitioning to heavyweight competition, after wrestling in the 197-pound class in 2022-23. Wrestling at 197 proved to be a massive challenge for Trumble, as he constantly worked to ensure he could make weight. Moving to the heavyweight class will allow Trumble to compete at a more natural spot — a healthy change.

“I was cutting a lot of weight that last year to make 197, and I think it really caught up to me pretty quick,” Trumble said. “Taking a year getting to wrestle up at 97 kilos, which is like 213 pounds, it kind of gave me a new perspective. I was able to compete with some of the best guys in the world at that weight, and it kind of opened my eyes a little bit, and I was ready to bump up a weight to heavyweight.”

Behind the leadership of Trumble and others, the Wolfpack is set to take on a challenging schedule. Out of conference, NC State will take trips to perennial powerhouses Oklahoma State and Cornell, while also facing Utah Valley — led by former NC State associate head coach Adam Hall. The difficult opponents early should help the Pack identify where it needs to improve so it can perform at its best in ACC and postseason competition.

“You can look and circle a lot of dates on the calendar,” Popolizio said.” Oklahoma State … they got a lot of excitement right now with hiring a new coach and a guy who’s been a staple for USA Wrestling. And then Cornell is always one of the top teams in the country, so it’s spread out, for the most part, pretty good.”

In conference play, the red-and-white’s ACC schedule is headlined with a late-season trip to Virginia Tech. Additionally, the Wolfpack will host Stanford, the newest addition to ACC wrestling. The challenge ups the ante for the Wolfpack this season, but NC State is well-prepared to take on a new, talented conference foe.

“I think the bar has been raised as far as programs that have had success,” Popolizio said. “That makes everyone else have to up their game.”

With a talented roster and an exciting schedule, NC State wrestling will be as electric as ever this winter. The Wolfpack is seeking its seventh straight ACC title this year but also has its eyes on bigger prizes. This season, the Pack is aiming high, working to be the best in the country.

“We’ve had a whole year to train for what we have ahead of us,” Trumble said. “Our end goal is the NCAA Tournament, not even the ACC Championship — we’re looking to win NCAA trophies.”

NC State’s season is just around the corner, with its first official competition at the Battle at The Citadel in Charleston on Sunday. Wolfpack fans’ first opportunity to catch the Pack in Reynolds Coliseum is Nov. 15 in a dual meet against App State.