Fall 2024 has big shoes to fill in the world of NC State athletics. In just one semester, the Wolfpack delivered two basketball Final Fours, an ACC men’s basketball championship and a trip to the Men’s College World Series.
This season could be just as exciting, though. From football to volleyball, the Wolfpack will be featured in marquee matchups. For NC State fans, students and alumni, here are some must-see matchups this fall.
Football vs Tennessee, Sept. 7
NC State football is hungry for a spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. Winning a game against one of the SEC’s best, the Tennessee Volunteers, would be a strong addition to a potential playoff resume.
When the Pack and the Vols clash in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sept. 7, the Wolfpack defense will have the opportunity to challenge one of the country’s best offenses. Led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the No. 2 overall recruit in the class of 2022, the Vols have the talent to be the best offense NC State faces all season. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel is known for running an uptempo offense and the Pack will have to be at its best to slow down the Vols.
The Wolfpack has a talented quarterback of its own in graduate transfer Grayson McCall, a three-time Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year. With a revamped offense, McCall will have the weapons needed to keep pace with Tennessee. However, it won’t be easy as the Vols boast one of the nation’s best defensive linemen — James Pierce Jr. The battle in the trenches, especially wherever Pierce lines up, will be crucial for the Wolfpack.
No matter who wins, this matchup promises to deliver offensive fireworks. If the Wolfpack wins, it’ll be in a strong position to make the College Football Playoff and make a statement before opening ACC competition.
Volleyball vs Pitt, Nov. 24
Last season, NC State volleyball took a massive step forward, emerging as an ACC power. The red-and-white improved on its win total by six games, finishing 22-7 in 2023. With the ACC’s top program, Pitt, making a trip to Reynolds Coliseum, the Wolfpack has a golden opportunity to make its mark on the 2024 season.
Pitt will make its trip to Reynolds Coliseum on Nov. 24 for a late-season showdown. With the NCAA Tournament looming, this matchup gives NC State a shot to add a win against one of the best programs in the country to its resume. After seven straight losses to Pitt, a win in the series would mark a major breakthrough for the Wolfpack.
Women’s soccer vs Clemson, Oct. 20
After a down year, NC State women’s soccer is looking to bounce back. The Pack has a prime opportunity to announce its presence with a Sunday matinee against Clemson on Oct. 20. The Tigers are projected to be one of the top teams in the ACC and present a real challenge for any opponent.
For the Wolfpack to top Clemson, it will have to bring its best on defense. Led by four-year starter, graduate forward Megan Bornkamp, Clemson has a dangerous offense. Bornkamp has 24 career goals and 20 assists and will be a critical piece for the Tigers. Slowing Bornkamp will be essential for the red-and-white to pull off the upset and earn a signature win.
Men’s Soccer vs SMU, Oct. 19
With the additions of SMU, Cal and Stanford to the ACC, Wolfpack fans will get the chance to see the red-and-white take on some fresh opponents. Last season, SMU dominated the American Athletic Conference with a 7-0-1 conference record and is now set to take its talents to the ACC. The Mustangs will challenge the Wolfpack on Oct. 19 in a primetime matchup.
SMU is led by senior forward Bailey Sparks, who landed on the preseason All-ACC team. Sparks is a strong playmaker for the Mustangs, with five assists last season. Disrupting Sparks is crucial for the Pack in this matchup. Additionally, this will be an opportunity for NC State’s new head coach Marc Hubbard to make a statement in his first season in Raleigh.
