Top-25 Prospect Cole Cloer Breaks Down NC State Visit, Upcoming Officials, and Recruitment Plans

Cole Cloer’s Unofficial Visit to NC State Highlights Strong Interest

2026 Top-25 Prospect Checks In With the Wolfpack

Cole Cloer, a top-25 national prospect in the 2026 class and widely considered North Carolina’s top player, made an unofficial visit to NC State on June 24. The trip came just ahead of the NCAA’s recruiting dead period and ahead of July’s live evaluation period—a critical stretch in the recruitment calendar.

Hosted by Head Coach Will Wade and his staff, Cloer was given a comprehensive look at the Wolfpack program, from its facilities to its future plans. The staff has been prioritizing the 6-foot-8 forward for over a year, and the visit reaffirmed NC State’s strong interest as Cloer begins to narrow down his college options.

Inside the Visit: A Strong Impression

Cloer came away impressed by the experience in Raleigh.

“I really like the atmosphere around the program and the staff,” he said. “Coach Wade’s vision stood out, and they’ve shown that I’m a priority.”

The visit also gave Cloer a chance to reconnect with the coaching staff and get an updated look at the team’s facilities and player development infrastructure.

Official Visits on the Horizon

Cloer’s recruitment is heating up with multiple visits already completed and several more on the schedule. Two official visits are currently locked in:

• Florida – September 6, 2025

• Alabama – October 18, 2025

While no official visit to NC State has been scheduled yet, the Wolfpack remain firmly in the mix to secure one of Cloer’s remaining visit slots.

Recruitment Outlook: Top Eight Revealed

In June, Cloer trimmed his list of schools to eight finalists, signaling where his attention is focused:

• NC State

• North Carolina

• Florida

• Alabama

• Indiana

• UConn

• Louisville

• Virginia

Though additional high-major offers remain on the table, Cloer has indicated these programs are receiving the bulk of his focus heading into his senior year.

A Move to IMG Academy

In a significant development, Cloer announced in July that he will transfer to IMG Academy (FL) for his senior season. The move is designed to elevate his preparation for the next level, both on and off the court, as he readies for college competition.

Player Profile: Versatile, Efficient, and In-Demand

• Height/Weight: 6’8”, 195 lbs

• National Ranking: Top 25 (No. 1 in North Carolina by many services)

• 2024 Stats (Caldwell Academy):

  • 18.9 PPG

  • 7.2 RPG

  • 3.8 APG

  • 51% FG

  • 41% 3PT

Cloer is recognized as one of the most dynamic wings in the 2026 class. With a three-level scoring package, strong passing instincts, and the ability to defend multiple positions, he is viewed as a potential program-changer. In-state programs—particularly NC State and North Carolina—are making a full-court press to keep him home, but national powers are pushing just as hard.