NC State, Tennessee announce neutral site showdown in 2024 Duke's Mayo Classic

NC State and Tennessee are set to play each other in a 2024 neutral site showdown. The two teams will square off in the Duke’s Mayo Classic Sept. 7, 2024 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, they announced Tuesday.

The Volunteers were supposed to play Oklahoma that week, but the SEC postponed the matchup because the Sooners are preparing to join the league from the Big 12, according to The Athletic’s Chris Vannini.

Tennessee and NC State have played three times in their all-time series. Their last matchup was in 2012 when the Volunteers defeated the Wolfpack 35-21. That marked the first time the two teams squared off since 1939.

“We are thrilled to host a dynamic regional match up that is within driving distance for these two passionate fan bases,” said Danny Morrison, executive director of the Charlotte Sports Foundation, in a statement. “Tennessee and NC State have incredible ties to Charlotte and bringing them together to play in Bank of America Stadium is going to be an awesome experience. Games like these don’t happen without an amazing title sponsor like Duke’s Mayo and the support of the universities and our partners.”

Tennessee put together an impressive 2022 season under Josh Heupel, going 11-2 overall and 6-2 in SEC play. The Volunteers lost their quarterback as Hendon Hooker is off to the NFL, meaning Joe Milton and top-rated recruit Nico Iamaleava will compete for the starting job this season.

“We appreciate the Charlotte Sports Foundation and NC State on executing a game of this caliber on short notice,” Tennessee athletic director Danny White said in a statement. “This is another terrific opportunity for our football program and Vol Nation to showcase our brand in one of college football’s perennial marquee contests.”

NC State is coming off a solid 2023 season and played in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl as a result. The Wolfpack went 8-5 overall and 4-4 in ACC play, but are also going to see a changing of the guard at quarterback. After the season, Devin Leary entered the transfer portal and ended up at Kentucky, meaning the Wolfpack will have a new starter under center in 2023.

“We are excited to participate in the 2024 Duke’s Mayo Classic,” NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan said in a statement. “This is an incredible opportunity for our football program to face a great SEC opponent in our home state. The Charlotte Sports Foundation does a fantastic job and I’m looking forward to an electric atmosphere at Bank of America Stadium.”