It is only Week 3, but both programs arrive at 2-0 feeling new in important ways. NC State has handed the keys to sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey, a 6-foot-6 Miami product who spent the offseason being told the offense would rise and fall with his growth.
Why this one feels different
He delivered a composed opener, then helped the Pack close out Virginia in a late-game fight that coaches quietly love in September. Bailey’s name sits atop NC State’s “most important players” lists for a reason, and he earned a captain’s “C” to go with it.
Across the field, Wake Forest is in a full reset under first-year head coach Jake Dickert, who arrived from Washington State with an edge and a promise to build a fast, physical team. He was introduced to Deactown in January, then spent the summer talking about identity at ACC Kickoff. That message has already landed inside the locker room. Wake has looked fresh through two home wins, including a weather-stopped thumping of Western Carolina that showed off real speed at the skill spots.
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Key players who swing it
For NC State, Bailey’s growth pairs with a receiver room that looks more ready than pundits predicted. Wesley Grimes, who transferred from Wake in 2024, has become a timely playmaker and a natural storyline returning to Winston-Salem. Noah Rogers adds outside juice while tight end Justin Joly gives Bailey a clean, veteran safety valve in the seams after earning preseason first-team All-ACC. Linebacker Caden Fordham wears the program’s coveted No. 1 and sets the tone on defense.
Wake Forest’s offense still runs through Demond Claiborne, who popped last week with burst and vision and came into 2025 on major award watch lists. At quarterback, Auburn and South Carolina transfer Robby Ashford brings real dual-threat danger. When he’s decisive, he stresses edges and turns third and medium into fourth and inches. Redshirt freshman Chris Barnes flashed downfield ability in the Western Carolina win, which matters against a State secondary that will be tested by tempo and shots.
Both sides are patching pieces. NC State listed a long injury report this week that includes linebacker AJ Richardson among several out, which could stress the Pack’s inside fits if Wake leans on Claiborne. Wake’s list is shorter but notable with free safety Rushaun Tongue among the names to watch. Availability there affects how much help the Deacs can give their corners against Grimes and Rogers.
What last year still tells us
History says this rivalry rarely behaves. Wake went into Raleigh last October and stormed back 34-30 on a late Claiborne score, a reminder that the smallest swing plays decide this series more often than not. The all-time ledger is tight in recent years too with the last ten split 5-5. The road team has found joy lately, which gives NC State confidence heading into its first trip of the season.
Quick notes
• Last meeting: Wake Forest 34, NC State 30 on Oct. 5, 2024
• New boss: Jake Dickert introduced as Wake head coach in December 2024
• NC State captains include QB CJ Bailey and LB Caden Fordham
• Wake playmakers: RB Demond Claiborne on major preseason watch lists, QB Robby Ashford named starter
• Series trend: Last 10 meetings split 5-5
How it could look on the field Thursday.
NC State’s staff will test Wake horizontally early with quicks to Joly and perimeter throws to get Bailey in rhythm, then look for isolation shots to Grimes if the Deacs spin support late. If Wake handles early down gaps, Ashford’s legs become the counterpunch that can drag drives to the red zone for Claiborne to finish. The chess match to circle is Dickert’s new-look defense against Bailey’s cadence and protections on third down. If Tongue cannot go, Wake must win with pressure and trust its corners. If State’s banged-up front seven leaks against the run, Claiborne will turn this into a fourth-quarter sprint again.
Both teams want a clean launch to ACC play. For NC State it is belief that the new face of the offense can win on the road. For Wake it is proof that a new era can hold up when the lights get hot and the opponent punches back. That is a lot of new for a rivalry this old, which is exactly why Thursday night in Winston-Salem feels like a tone setter for both seasons.
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