NC State coach Dave Doeren has high hopes for CJ Bailey next season, touting him as potentially being one of the top college quarterbacks.
"I think he could be the best in the country," Doeren told ESPN's Pete Thamel on Wednesday.
Bailey is coming off a solid sophomore campaign, completing 68.8% of his passes for 3,105 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He also punched in six touchdowns on the ground while compiling an 8-5 record as a starter. The performance marked a step up from his freshman season, when he recorded 2,413 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Bailey credits last year's improvements for setting even higher expectations for NC State in 2026.
"For one, expect us to win a lot of games. That's for sure," Bailey said, per Thamel. "But for me, I just want to take a step with spreading the ball out and ... just being more of an athlete, using my legs in more crucial situations. Don't be hesitant to do anything. Be confident in my ability."
The Wolf Pack have won eight or more games in five of the last six seasons but haven't posted more than 10 wins since 2002.
