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-Imagn Images William Howard-Imagn Images

NC State Releases Depth Chart Full of Surprises Before Opener

Originally posted on NC State Wolfpack on SI
By Tucker Sennett | Last updated Aug 28, 2025 4:00 PM ET

NC State pushed its depth chart release about as late as possible, with the program finally releasing its starters to the public a few hours before the season opener against East Carolina is set to kick off Thursday night.

Head coach Dave Doeren preferred to keep his decisions to himself as late as possible in years past, but with new ACC injury reporting guidelines, the team will be more open with its roster than before.

The depth chart for the season opener didn't come without any surprises, with a few names not expected to play a pivotal role right away slotted into starting roles for the Wolfpack.

The Surprises

Due to the suspensions of right guard Val Erickson and nose tackle Brandon Cleveland stemming from the brawl in last year's Military Bowl loss to ECU, a pair of young players have been thrust into starting roles in the first half. Redshirt sophomore Kamen Smith will get the start at right guard for at least the first half. Freshman defensive tackle Josiah Victor will get some reps for Cleveland in the first half alongside graduate seniors Chazz Wallace and Travali Price.

One of the biggest surprises came in the defensive backfield. Redshirt freshman safety Ronnie Royal III spoke to the media last week and seemed to accept a role behind some of the veteran players on the roster. To many's surprise, Royal will get the start at free safety for the Wolfpack Thursday night.

As for the special teams, Doeren rolled with youth over experience once again. He opted to start redshirt freshman placekicker Nick Konieczynski over graduate senior Kanoah Vinesett. Doeren announced the move on his weekly radio appearance, claiming Konieczynski won the job during fall camp with some solid performances.

The Regulars and Full Depth Chart

The rest of the depth chart didn't include many shocking decisions, and it's expected that there will be frequent rotation of players on the defensive side of the ball. To no one's surprise, sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey will get the start for the Wolfpack as one of the team captains.

Here is the full depth chart:

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

Joining placekicker Nick Konieczynski will be punter Caden Noonkester and long snapper Jake Mann. Redshirt freshman Charlie Birtwistle will handle kickoff duties. Receiver Wesley Grimes will return punts while running back Duke Scott will run back kicks.

With the lineup officially set, the Wolfpack is set to storm Carter-Finley Stadium at 7 P.M. EST.

This article first appeared on NC State Wolfpack on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: