Brennan Armstrong explains how new OC Robert Anae factored into his decision to transfer to NC State

After spending five seasons at Virginia and putting his name atop the record books in over 10 different stat categories, quarterback Brennan Armstrong decided to take his talents to Raleigh, North Carolina but stay in the ACC, transferring to NC State this offseason.

Offensive coordinator Robert Anae joined NC State’s staff as well this offseason, who served as Armstrong’s OC at Virginia for the first four seasons of his career in Charlottesville. And at ACC Media Days, Armstrong revealed how much of a factor the hiring of Anae impacted his decision to join the Wolfpack.

“Well, I would say Coach Anae being there sparked my interest in NC State right away,” Armstrong said. “Got a chance to go visit them, talk to Coach Doeren. Playing in the ACC I knew how close NC State was to being at the top, they’re just a few games away, one game away from getting to that championship game.”

NC State head coach Dave Doeren is entering his 11th season at the helm for the Wolfpack, leading the team to eight-plus win seasons in the last three years, something that has not happened at Virginia the past three seasons.

Former Wolfpack quarterback Devin Leary left the program via the transfer portal after being the team’s starter for three seasons. And with his exit, Armstrong felt he could fill in his role and give NC State just what they needed to complete their team from a season ago.

“So when I talked to Coach Doeren I felt like the culture was already built, him being there for what 11, 12 years now the culture’s been built. I was just a piece they needed for the offense, I felt like Coach Gibson built the defense’s foundation to be very solid, guys know what to expect on defense there and they just needed something on offense,” Armstrong explained. “With Coach Anae coming in I thought my familiarity with the offense was a great fit for me.”

Armstrong thrived in Anae’s offensive system during his time in Virginia, especially in 2021 where he had a career season throwing for 4,449 yards and 31 touchdowns passes along with 251 yards on the ground and nine rushing scores.

He took a step back last season in a dreadful 3-7 season for the Cavaliers without Anae, who spent the 2022 season as Syracuse‘s offensive coordinator. And hopefully for the Wolfpack, Armstrong can get back to his prime form with Anae back orchestrating the offense for him.