Impact analysis: What QB CJ Bailey’s return means for NC State

In the transfer portal era, sometimes a team’s biggest win of the cycle is being able to keep a player from departing for another program. And in the case of NC State, its first order of business was to retain rising sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey for the 2025 season.  The Wolfpack was able to do just that as he signed a one-year NIL agreement with NC State’s collective, 1Pack, to return for his second season in Raleigh.  Bailey, who started each of the Pack’s last six games of the season after graduate Grayson McCall’s career ended due to head injuries, impressed in his early action of his collegiate career. The quarterback was 177-of-276 passing for 2,183 yards and 14 touchdowns in his 10 total meaningful appearances this fall with the Pack. As Bailey is set to return for his sophomore campaign, he appears to be prepared for a full 12-game slate as NC State’s starting signal-caller. Here’s a look at what his return to the Wolfpack means for the program moving forward.