Anonymous ACC coach reveals college football program that is ‘lagging’ in NIL

NC State entered last season as a popular dark horse pick in the ACC, but failed to meet the lofty expectations.

After a 9-4 season in 2023, the Wolfpack lost three of their final four games last season, including a loss to East Carolina in the Military Bowl. NC State finished 6-7 overall, finishing tied for 10th in the ACC with a 3-5 conference record.

One anonymous ACC coach shared his thoughts on why NC State may never be able to become a true national title threat. In an exclusive with Athlon Sports, they shed light on the program’s lagging effort in NIL spending, putting head coach Dave Doeren at a disadvantage.

“Right now, it’s easier to justify them being in that eight-win range,” the anonymous coach said. “Because they’re lagging in NIL. The expectations and reality are pretty far off in that regard.”

Doeren has served as the head coach of the Wolfpack since 2013, compiling an 87-65 overall record in that time span. The Wolfpack has made five consecutive bowl appearances, but has not won a bowl game since 2017. The program has also finished in the AP Top 25 in three different seasons under Doeren.