NC State Football Set to Open Fall Camp with Renewed Optimism
NC State football kicks off fall camp next week as it prepares for the season opener on Aug. 28 against East Carolina. Following a disappointing 2024 campaign, veteran head coach Dave Doeren and the Wolfpack are looking to bounce back and re-establish themselves as contenders.
The offense returns several key contributors, but there are lingering questions on both sides of the ball. Fortunately, the Wolfpack were active in the transfer portal and saw strong development from several young players during spring practice.
Among the most significant additions is redshirt sophomore cornerback Brian Nelson II, who checks in at No. 7 on the list of NC State’s top newcomers heading into 2025.
Background: A Rising Star in the Secondary
Nelson II arrived in Raleigh this June after transferring from North Texas. A former standout at Shadow Creek High School in Pearland, Texas, Nelson capped his prep career with a stellar senior season—logging 14 tackles, seven interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), four pass breakups, and a punt return touchdown, all while helping lead his team to an 11-1 record and a deep playoff run in Texas 6A Division II.
He redshirted in 2023 after appearing in four games for North Texas, then broke out in 2024 as a full-time starter. In nine starts last fall, Nelson tallied 53 tackles (two for loss), a quarterback hurry, seven pass breakups, four interceptions, and a fumble recovery—earning first-team All-AAC honors from College Football News.
With several departures in the secondary following the 2024 season, cornerback was a top priority for the Wolfpack in the portal. Nelson II’s arrival addresses a major need and bolsters a unit looking to rebound.
Rated as a high three-star transfer (88 grade) and the No. 41 cornerback in the portal by 247Sports, Nelson brings both proven production and untapped upside.
2025 Outlook: Big Expectations from Day One
Nelson’s presence is already being felt. NC State needed a proven option to pair with veteran corner Devon Marshall, and Nelson has quickly made a strong impression since arriving on campus.
He’s expected to start immediately in the secondary, and his versatility adds additional value on special teams—where he’s in the mix to return punts. So far, Nelson has lived up to expectations during summer workouts and continues to draw praise from the Wolfpack coaching staff.
As fall camp opens, all eyes will be on Nelson II to continue building momentum. If he maintains his current trajectory, he could play a pivotal role in NC State’s efforts to get back on track in 2025.
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