NC State's 2026 recruiting class is an intriguing bunch, with several freshmen poised to make an immediate impact on the football field. While some of these players' names might be familiar to die-hard fans, others are fresh faces with untapped potential. Here's a closer look at five freshmen who could be key contributors for the Wolfpack in the coming years, each bringing their own unique set of skills and opportunities to the table.
One standout is WR Tyreek Copper, a Kinston native who shattered records in high school. With 251 receptions for 4,361 yards and 59 touchdowns, he's a proven producer. But what's truly fascinating is how he's already making an impact at NC State. The Wolfpack's receiver room is in flux, and Copper's natural talent and ability to get open could see him earning early snaps. In my opinion, his production and opportunity make him a top contender for an immediate role.
Another standout is WR Amiri Acker, a 6-foot-2, three-star recruit from Crescent High in South Carolina. Acker's straight-line speed is impressive, and he's a state champion in both the 100 and 200 meters. With 55 catches for 1,287 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior, he's a burner with ball production. Acker's public desire to contribute right away aligns with Coach Dave Doeren's philosophy, making him a strong candidate for an early role in the receiver room.
OT Brody Smith is another freshman who's already making waves. A 6-foot-5, 265-pound tackle from Maryville, Tennessee, Smith held nearly 20 offers and chose NC State over Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Purdue. His early enrollment and rave reviews in spring camp suggest he's ready to compete. While tackle is a position that typically takes time to develop, Smith has put himself ahead of the curve, and the staff has taken notice.
LB Ziggy Moore is a Pittsburgh product with a high football IQ. At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, he's a three-star recruit ranked No. 124 nationally. As a team captain at Woodland Hills, Moore racked up 350 tackles, five interceptions, and 20 touchdowns. His athleticism, explosiveness, and instinctiveness make him a strong candidate for an early role in the linebacker room, especially with the need for young blood behind the veterans.
Finally, LB Jordan Moreta is another freshman who enrolled early to start closing the gap at linebacker. At 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, he's a three-star recruit who posted impressive stats as a senior, including 53 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Moreta's physical jump and desire to contribute make him a credible path to meaningful snaps before the season ends.
What makes these freshmen particularly fascinating is how they're already making an impact at NC State. Whether it's through their natural talent, production in high school, or desire to contribute right away, these players are forcing their way into the conversation before they've even played a college snap. In my opinion, their upside and opportunity make them key contributors for the Wolfpack in the coming years.
