Raleigh, North Carolina, February 6, 2026
The NC State Wolfpack football program’s 2026 recruiting class has received disappointing rankings, sitting 47th nationally and 12th in the Atlantic Coast Conference. This year’s class, built primarily on depth and player development rather than elite talent, has seen a drop from previous standings. Key recruits include four-star wide receiver Amiri Acker, while the coaching staff remains committed to developing talent regardless of rankings.
RALEIGH, North Carolina – The NC State Wolfpack football program’s 2026 recruiting class has finalized with rankings placing it outside the top 40 nationally and in the lower half of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). These assessments highlight a class built on depth and player development rather than a high volume of elite, top-tier recruits.
2026 Recruiting Class Rankings Revealed
The latest evaluations from prominent recruiting services indicate a challenging position for the Wolfpack’s 2026 class. According to On3, NC State’s class is ranked 47th nationally and 12th within the ACC. This represents a decline from previous standings, as the class was formerly ranked 36th nationally and 7th in the ACC, marking an 11-spot drop nationally and a five-spot drop within the conference. Similarly, 247Sports Composite places the Wolfpack’s class at 49th overall Nationwide, with Rivals also mirroring a 49th national ranking. Within the ACC, 247Sports assesses the class as 14th, while Rivals aligns with On3 at 12th.
The 2026 class for NC State consists of 27 committed high school players. The majority of these commits are categorized as three-star recruits. While the class does not feature numerous five-star prospects, it emphasizes a strategy of accumulating a larger volume of players with potential.
Key Commitments and Player Profiles
Among the signed recruits, wide receiver Amiri Acker from Iva, South Carolina, stands out as a leading prospect. Acker earned a four-star rating and saw his national standing improve, rising to No. 196 overall in the final 2026 Rivals300 rankings update. He is also recognized as the No. 7 player from the state of South Carolina and the No. 50 wide receiver recruit Nationwide. His profile notes consistent improvement throughout his high school career and a background in track, which is expected to contribute to his athletic capabilities on the football field.
Another notable signee is wide receiver Tyreek Copper from Kinston, North Carolina. While Copper has garnered some four-star ratings, he is generally considered a consensus three-star prospect within this recruiting cycle. Other key members of the class include defensive lineman Damaad Lewis from Charlotte, NC, linebacker Zykir Moore from Pittsburgh, PA, and defensive back D’Various Surratt from Shelby, NC, all of whom bring strong regional talent to the Wolfpack program. The geographic reach of the class extends beyond North Carolina, encompassing talent from states like South Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, Tennessee, and New Jersey.
Coaching Philosophy Amidst Rankings
Head Coach Dave Doeren has consistently articulated a perspective that recruiting rankings are not the sole measure of success for the NC State football program. He has emphasized the team’s established reputation as a developer of talent, particularly known for transforming three-star prospects into NFL draft picks, as demonstrated in the 2020 NFL Draft. This philosophy suggests a focus on players who fit the program’s culture and possess the potential for significant growth under coaching, rather than an exclusive pursuit of already highly-rated recruits.
The Wolfpack’s recruiting strategy prioritizes volume and long-term potential over securing a few high-profile five-star athletes. This approach aims to build a robust roster through comprehensive player development within the program. The recent official February national signing day saw most collegiate programs finalizing their classes, often after an earlier December signing period. NC State did not report any additional commitments on Wednesday, with prospects holding Wolfpack offers generally expected to commit to other institutions. The program continues to focus on its developmental model as it integrates the 2026 class into its future plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NC State’s 2026 football recruiting class ranking Nationwide?
NC State’s 2026 football recruiting class is ranked 47th nationally by On3 and 49th nationally by both 247Sports Composite and Rivals.
How does NC State’s 2026 football recruiting class rank within the ACC?
NC State’s 2026 football recruiting class is ranked 12th in the ACC by On3 and Rivals, and 14th in the ACC by 247Sports.
How many high school players are committed to NC State’s 2026 class?
NC State’s 2026 class consists of 27 committed high school players.
Who is a notable recruit in NC State’s 2026 class?
Four-star wide receiver Amiri Acker is a top recruit, rising to No. 196 overall in the final 2026 Rivals300 rankings update. He is also the No. 7 player from the state of South Carolina and the No. 50 wide receiver recruit Nationwide.
What is Coach Dave Doeren’s philosophy on recruiting rankings?
Coach Dave Doeren indicated that recruiting rankings are not the “end-all, be-all” for the Wolfpack, emphasizing the program’s reputation as a talent developer rather than relying on high-profile transfers.
Key Features of NC State’s 2026 Football Recruiting Class
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| National Ranking (On3) | No. 47 (Previously No. 36) | Nationwide |
| National Ranking (247Sports Composite) | No. 49 | Nationwide |
| National Ranking (Rivals) | No. 49 | Nationwide |
| ACC Ranking (On3) | No. 12 (Previously No. 7) | State-level (within ACC) |
| ACC Ranking (Rivals) | No. 12 | State-level (within ACC) |
| ACC Ranking (247Sports) | No. 14 | State-level (within ACC) |
| Total Committed High School Players | 27 | Nationwide |
| Primary Recruit Quality | Mostly three-star recruits | Nationwide |
| Top Four-Star Recruit | Amiri Acker (WR) – Ranked No. 196 overall in Rivals300, No. 7 in South Carolina, No. 50 WR Nationwide | Nationwide, State-level (South Carolina) |
| Coaching Philosophy | Emphasis on talent development over solely high rankings, developing three-star prospects into NFL players | Nationwide |
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