"Bailey would have been one of the top quarterbacks available had he entered the transfer portal, but the two-year starter opted to stay put -- a boon for a Wolfpack team looking to build on a strong finish to the 2025 season. Thrust into the starting role as a true freshman after a season-ending injury to Grayson McCall, Bailey blossomed into one of the more dynamic QBs in the ACC."
"In 2025, he threw for 3,105 yards, rushed for 215 more, and totaled 31 touchdowns, while leading NC State to a win in Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. The Miami, Florida native was rumored to be a top target for several schools looking for quarterbacks in his home state, but will return to an NC State team that will now have far higher aspirations following an 8-5 campaign that ended with wins in four of its last five games."
CJ Bailey will return as NC State's starting quarterback for the 2026 season. Bailey opted not to enter the transfer portal despite heavy interest and remained with NC State after a two-year starting run. Thrust into the role as a true freshman following Grayson McCall's season-ending injury, Bailey developed into a dynamic ACC quarterback. In 2025 he threw for 3,105 yards, rushed for 215 yards, and accounted for 31 touchdowns while leading NC State to a Gasparilla Bowl victory. Bailey finished the 2025 season on a high note as NC State went 8-5, winning four of its last five games. His career starting record stands at 12-10 with a 70.8 Total QBR, 67% completion rate, 53 total touchdowns and 19 interceptions.
Read at ESPN.com
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