If you’ve spent any time at Carter-Finley Stadium, you know the vibe. There is a specific kind of "Wolfpack DNA" that doesn’t always scream "five-star recruit," but it almost always screams "NFL starter." Honestly, the sheer number of NC State NFL players currently occupying key roster spots across the league is kind of staggering when you look at the raw data.
It’s not just about the numbers, though. It’s the roles. While some schools produce flashy receivers who flame out in three years, the Pack has become a literal factory for the league’s most unglamorous, essential positions: the interior offensive line, the middle linebackers, and the versatile defensive tackles.
The 2025-2026 Season: Who is Actually Moving the Needle?
The current landscape of Pack Pros in the league is a mix of grizzled veterans fighting for one last contract and young studs who are basically redefining their positions. Take Payton Wilson, for example. After a 2024 rookie year that silenced every single person worried about his medical history, he spent the 2025 season as a tackling machine for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Basically, he's the heartbeat of that defense now.
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But it’s not all sunshine. We saw some real heartbreak recently with Ikem Ekwonu. The Panthers’ left tackle was finally finding his groove in late 2025 before a ruptured patellar tendon in the playoffs ended his season. That’s a brutal blow for a guy who has started 64 games in four years. He's looking at a 6 to 12-month recovery, which puts his 2026 status in serious jeopardy.
The Defensive Anchors
- Alim McNeill (Detroit Lions): He signed a massive four-year, $97 million extension in late 2024. While he missed some time in 2025 with an abdominal injury, he’s essentially the cornerstone of Detroit's interior.
- Germaine Pratt (Indianapolis Colts): Pratt is the guy nobody talks about enough. He split his 2025 season between the Raiders and the Colts, eventually racking up 126 total tackles. He’s 29, he’s smart, and he’s one of the most consistent linebackers in the AFC.
- Drake Thomas (Seattle Seahawks): Talk about a breakout. Thomas exploded for 96 tackles and 3.5 sacks this past season. He went from a special teams guy to a weakside starter that Seattle can't afford to take off the field.
Why the "QBU" Narrative is Kinda Complicated Right Now
For a decade, NC State was the undisputed "Quarterback U." You had Philip Rivers, Russell Wilson, Mike Glennon, and Jacoby Brissett all starting simultaneously. Fast forward to 2026, and things look... different.
Russell Wilson is currently in a weird spot. He spent the 2025 season with the New York Giants, but after a rough three-game start, he was benched for rookie Jackson Dart. He’s 37. He’s a free agent. While he insists he’ll be a starter somewhere in 2026, the market is colder than a January night in Raleigh.
Then there's Jacoby Brissett. He actually had a solid 2025 statistically with the Arizona Cardinals, throwing for over 3,300 yards and 23 touchdowns. He’s the ultimate bridge quarterback, but he’s basically proven he can still play at a high level when the situation isn't a total disaster.
The Trenches: Where the Pack Really Wins
If you want to find NC State NFL players, look at the offensive line. It's ridiculous. Joe Thuney is still out there winning rings and protecting quarterbacks with the Chicago Bears, while Garrett Bradbury has found a second life in New England.
Bradbury's story is interesting because people wrote him off in Minnesota. Now, he’s 30 years old, starting every single game for the Patriots, and just signed a two-year, $9.5 million deal. He’s not flashy. He just doesn’t miss blocks.
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Newer Names on the Radar
- Anthony Belton: Drafted in the second round in 2025 by the Green Bay Packers. He's already getting starts at guard and showing that same physical edge the Pack is known for.
- Dylan McMahon: Spent 2025 on the Rams' practice squad but is a name to watch as Los Angeles looks to get younger on the interior in 2026.
- Chandler Zavala: He’s been battling injuries with the Panthers, but when he’s healthy, his chemistry with Ekwonu was a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy Carolina season.
The Special Teams Secret Weapon
You can't talk about NC State in the pros without mentioning A.J. Cole III. He is arguably the best punter in the world. Seriously. In 2025, he averaged 47.6 yards per punt for the Raiders and pinned 24 balls inside the 20-yard line. When your punter is a legitimate field-position weapon, you win games you shouldn't.
What to Watch for in 2026
If you're tracking these guys, the 2026 off-season is going to be pivotal. We need to see if Alim McNeill returns to his All-Pro form after the abdominal issues. We have to monitor Ikem Ekwonu’s rehab—the Panthers' entire offensive identity depends on that left tackle spot.
Also, keep an eye on the 2026 Draft. The pipeline hasn't slowed down. State continues to recruit "high-floor" players who coaches love because they don't require three years of "fixing" once they get to an NFL facility.
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Monitor Free Agency: Keep a close eye on Russell Wilson and Jacoby Brissett. Both are likely to move, and their landing spots will dictate how many "Pack Pro" starting QBs we have in 2026.
- Injury Reports: Check the mid-summer updates for Ekwonu and McNeill. Their availability for training camp will be the biggest storyline for Wolfpack alumni this year.
- Pro Day 2026: Follow the results from Raleigh this spring; the current crop of defensive linemen are projected to keep the "trench factory" reputation alive.