The NC State Wolfpack received great news in January when CJ Bailey announced his return for the 2026 season rather than entering the transfer portal. Once Bailey finishes his junior year, he is eligible to declare for the 2027 NFL Draft, though he will have one year of college eligibility left after that. In the meantime, the Wolfpack needs a succession plan once its star quarterback departs.
Also Read: “Back With the Pack”: NC State Wolfpack Standout Reveals 2026 Plans
Son of NC State Wolfpack’s all-time leading passer is a prospect for 2027
Gunner Rivers, son of NC State’s all-time leading passer Philip Rivers, is a four-star quarterback prospect in the 2027 recruiting class. He has spent his first three years of high school football with St. Michael Catholic in Fairhope, Alabama, throwing for 10,200 yards, 111 passing touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Rivers had a strong junior campaign, completing 69% of his passes for 3,176 yards, 46 touchdowns, five interceptions, plus 196 rushing yards and one touchdown, leading the team to a 13-1 record.
The NC State Wolfpack secured a commitment from the legend’s son in 2027
nc state spring game
Nov 11, 2023; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; The North Carolina State Wolfpack helmet rests on the bench during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports
According to P.J. Williams ofInside Pack Sports, the Wolfpack secured a commitment from Gunner Rivers in the 2027 recruiting class, opting to follow his father’s path. He ultimately chose NC State over Texas, Alabama, and Auburn, among others. Rivers may compete for the starting quarterback job in 2027, depending on CJ Bailey’s decision.
NC State has landed a massive commitment from 2027 quarterback Gunner Rivers. The St Michael (AL) prospect and son of NC State legend Philip Rivers will follow in his father’s footsteps and join the Wolfpack. https://t.co/36dNDwsqqU
— Inside Pack Sports (@InsidePackSport) February 23, 2026
Fans are hyped over the recent commitment
I’m so dadgum excited!
— J$ (@JeremyStorey10) February 23, 2026
pic.twitter.com/f4gwyjIj8E
— Nate (@ncsu97) February 23, 2026
LETS GOOOOOOO 🐺🐺🐺🔴🔴🔴 pic.twitter.com/WhWibCcCxL
— Bunch Of Wolves (@BunchOfWolves) February 23, 2026
Lol now I feel old
— Just one of those days (@hokiefan1971) February 23, 2026
First of 20 future NC State QBs coming from that household
— Ben (@TheHurricaneBen) February 23, 2026
No way!!!
— Helen Keller (@KellerBurner_) February 23, 2026
W
— HerbGoat (@hatradelt21) February 23, 2026
@Netscav he’s going to his dads alma mater
— BalloonBoi (@SOHOL67) February 23, 2026
Awesome! 👏👏👏 #GoPack
— Ben (@GardenerBenito) February 23, 2026
BANGG
Hopefully he can bring state back to the level his dad had them at
— Make The ACC Great Again (@MAKEACCGA) February 24, 2026
“I’m so ready to run through a f****** wall”
LEGACY
— Cole (@BoomerDamSooner) February 23, 2026
He his daddy son
— J D (@dmiles5858) February 24, 2026