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NC State WR Noah Rogers focused on proving himself in spring practice

image_6483441 (3)by:Noah Fleischman•about 12 hours•

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Noah Rogers
© Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

This spring practice slate has a different feel for NC State redshirt sophomore wide receiver Noah Rogers. Instead of being the inexperienced player with no game reps, he’s among one of the Pack’s top receiving options going forward. 

That subtle shift has forced Rogers to bring a new mindset to the Wolfpack. Instead of having the luxury to blend into the background on some drills, Rogers is looked at under a microscope. He enjoys the pressure. 

No longer is Rogers the unknown route runner at the collegiate level. Instead, he has to be exact and intentional in everything he does on the practice field. And, honestly, he wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I’m just continuing to show the coaches out here in practice every day that I’m a guy that you have to use this year,” Rogers said. “A guy who could help the team win a lot of games.”

Rogers, a former five-star recruit from Rolesville High, posted 35 receptions for 478 yards with a touchdown in his first season at NC State. The Ohio State transfer didn’t see action with the Buckeyes, but he was immediately a starter for the Wolfpack. He logged his best outing — four receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown — in the team’s loss to Syracuse on Oct. 12. 

This spring is all about finding a way to continue to grow on the field. Rogers had four or more receptions in just four of his 13 appearances last season, and he’s looking for that total to grow in the 2025 campaign. 

How can he do that? An evolving chemistry with sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey seems to be a good place to start. 

The duo arrived in Raleigh together ahead of last season’s spring practice slate, but Bailey was with the backups as Rogers worked with the starting group. It took some time, but the two have been able to continue to grow together — both during last season and all through the offseason since. 

Bailey and Rogers are comfortable with each other, which should excite some around the program. 

“I just believe that there’s no doubt that CJ’s going to take this university to another level,” 

Rogers said. 

In addition to their on-field connection, the wide receiver and quarterback are working together to take more of a leadership role within the offense. Bailey has said he wants to be one of the Wolfpack’s captains, and Rogers seems to want the same. 

“We had experience last year, so it grows tremendously because we’re just trying to show each other how to lead together,” Rogers said. “You can’t just lead as one.”

As the spring practice schedule continues to move on, the offense will be able to benefit from the 15 times the team is allowed to be together on the fields adjacent to Carter-Finley Stadium. NC State is installing new offensive coordinator Kurt Roper’s high-tempo scheme, while continuing to build chemistry for the future. 

The goal is to have the Wolfpack in a solid place going into the summer, where fall camp will allow the team to take another step forward together. But in the meantime, Rogers is just focused on improving himself every day in his third spring practice of his career. 

One that is flying by. 

“It’s just going by fast already,” Rogers said. “We’re already back in spring ball and getting better. I’m just so thankful to come out here and just win the day.”

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