NC State quarterback CJ Bailey to return to Pack in 2025
NC State took a swift, aggressive approach to retaining its starting quarterback this week. Freshman CJ Bailey announced Tuesday evening that he has signed a new contract with the 1Pack NIL collective to return for another season in Raleigh.
The first-year quarterback was not expected to play a major role this season but took over the Wolfpack’s full-time starting quarterback role following Grayson McCall’s retirement. Bailey threw for 2,183 yards over 11 games and will likely receive major consideration as the a freshman All-American.
Bailey’s return is viewed as a critical step toward keeping the core of the 2024 offense together. He tossed 14 touchdowns this fall with 9 interceptions and ran for 255 yards and 5 more scores.
Most recently, the freshman led NC State to a 35-30 win over UNC, his first time playing in the rivalry. He recovered from a 3 of 8 passing start to complete 11 of his final 12 throws, including a deep ball to Noah Rogers in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, setting up the winning touchdown.
“My mindset was to go into the second half and play way better,” Bailey said. “Most importantly, taking care of the ball and driving the ball. When the fourth quarter came and we were down, we had to be more aggressive and make plays.”
His coaches and teammates have praised Bailey for his poise and leadership. Bailey played a significant role in keeping team morale up with his combination of maturity and humility all year. He earned the trust of his peers quickly this fall.
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Bailey will lead NC State into 2025 as the face of this program. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining and will be the clear QB1 in a room that will also include redshirt sophomore Lex Thomas and freshman Will Wilson.
On3’s Charles Power praises CJ Bailey
On3 director of scouting Charles Power re-ranked the 2024 class earlier this year. Coming out of Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade Madonna Prep, Bailey was a three-star prospect. Power now views him as a five-star recruit.
“The biggest thing for me personally is improving his accuracy and mechanics and consistency as a high school prospect,” Power said in October. “I think he’s done that since he’s been at NC State. I think if you’re an NC State fan, you should be encouraged by how he’s looked.”
“He’s been a guy who’s always had a lot of upside, and I think we’re starting to see him tap into that. I think the strides he’s made are really encouraging.”
