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Wake Forest transfer LB Bailey Benson commits to NC State

image_6483441 (3)by:Noah Fleischman05/11/25

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Nov 9, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack team runs out prior to the first half of the game against Duke Blue Devils at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

NC State’s post-spring practice defensive transfer portal haul continues to grow. Its latest addition? Wake Forest transfer linebacker Bailey Benson, who committed Sunday.

Benson, a former three-star recruit in the 2025 cycle, was an early enrollee with the Demon Deacons. He went through spring practice with new Wake Forest coach Jake Dickert, but he opted to enter the portal during the spring window. 

Benson was originally recruited and committed to the Demon Deacons under Dave Clawson, a longtime friend with Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren. He visited Raleigh on Thursday and Friday before pledging to NC State.

The 6-foot-1, 195 pound linebacker was a four-year varsity player at Covington (Ga.) Eastside High. He posted 164 total tackles in his high school career, including 29 for a loss, with 10 total sacks. Benson posted a standout senior campaign with 73 stops, including 12 for a loss, this past fall. 

Benson is the latest target that NC State defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot added to bolster his unit. The Pack has landed commitments from transfer edge rushers Joseph Adedire (Texas Tech), Cian Slone (Utah State) and Sabastian Harsh (Wyoming), linebacker Kenny Soares Jr. (Northwestern), cornerback Brian Nelson II (North Texas) since spring practice ended. The Pack also added tight end Ian Flynt (Nebraska) on Friday.

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