Greg McElroy evaluates NC State's chances to win the ACC in 2024

The NC State Wolfpack is on the hunt for its first conference title since 1979. In May, ESPN’s Greg McElroy weighed in on the program’s chances of achieving this lofty goal.

“FSU, Miami and Clemson—I think they’re the top three teams in the ACC,” McElroy said. “Then, I do think there is a little bit of a gap, but that gap just behind those three might be as dangerous as you’ll find, depending on how things might work out. NC State is very much in that grouping.

“Maybe they’re at the top end of that grouping. Maybe they’re at the bottom end of that group. But there’s four or five teams that I think could rally up and allow the stars to align that could potentially find themselves in the conference title game… Maybe they find their way to the College Football Playoff.”

NC State will have no shortage of weapons on offense in the 2024 campaign, starting with Coastal Carolina transfer quarterback Grayson McCall. The veteran QB has tallied over 10,000 passing yards in his career.

While he was injured most of last season, McCall has 88 career passing touchdowns compared to only 14 interceptions. McCall will only add to these totals this season with Kevin “KC” Concepcion out wide for the Wolfpack.

Concepcion won the ACC Rookie of the Year Award last season after notching 64 catches for 767 yards and 10 touchdowns. Concepcion won’t be the only talented NC State route runner. The team also added Ohio State transfer wide receiver Noah Rogers and Duke transfer running back Jordan Waters this offseason.

Questions surrounding NC State defense

NC State’s offense may have to be the team’s fuel early in the season as its defense adjusts to life without former All-American linebacker Payton Wilson, who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Wolfpack’s defense will be nearly a fresh slate in the 2024 campaign, with three new starting linebackers. Additionally, Aydan White will be the team’s only returning starter in the secondary.

Despite several experienced additions in the transfer portal, NC State’s defense is likely the team’s largest question mark ahead of the season. However, defensive coordinator Tony Gibson won’t allow his unit to be a liability.

Last season, NC State’s defense only allowed 332.1 total yards per game, ranking No. 29 in the country. With Gibson’s defensive leadership and the Wolfpack’s talent on offense, NC State could be a legitimate contender for the ACC crown this fall.