NC State's Doeren says QB Bailey could be best in country - ESPN

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Few quarterbacks in college football are better positioned for a breakthrough 2026 season than NC State's CJ Bailey.

The NC State junior enters his third season as a starter with an increasing amount of buzz, as he stood out among college quarterbacks at the recent Manning Passing Academy and has filled out physically at an imposing 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds.

«I think he could be the best in the country,» NC State coach Dave Doeren told ESPN.

Bailey is coming off an 8-5 season as a starter for the Wolfpack in 2025. His 22 overall starts are the fifth most power conference starts by a quarterback at the same school.

That continuity, combined with physical and on-field development, has Bailey poised to improve on a 2025 season that saw him throw for 25 touchdowns, run for six more and finish third in the ACC completing 68.8% of his passes.

NC State hasn't had a quarterback taken in the first round since Philip Rivers went fourth overall in 2004. There's a chance Bailey's ascent could help break that streak of more than two decades.

«You should expect a lot,» Bailey told ESPN about what to expect this year. «For one, expect us to win a lot of games. That's for sure. 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.»

Bailey's physical size is at the root of the some of the confidence in his improvement. He entered college weighing nearly 195 pounds, and he's since filled in 25 pounds. That has given him the confidence to run the ball more, which Doeren sees as significant.

Bailey's confidence as a leader and a player have both grown.

«He's almost free to