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The Preseason Buzz for Wolfpack Star Continues to Rise
Sep 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack helmets during pregame activity for the Dukes Mayo Classic against the Tennessee Volunteers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The preseason accolades keep rolling in for NC State senior tight end Justin Joly, as he was named to the 2025 Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List. 

The Biletnikoff Award recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver. It can be awarded to any position that catches passes during the season. Colorado’s Travis Hunter won the award in 2024. 

It’s not the only preseason recognition Joly has been getting so far. The tight end was named to the 2025 Walter Camp Preseason FBS All-America Second Team. He’s one of the eight players from the ACC to be recognized.

The 6-foot-3 pass-catching threat returns after being second in the team in receptions with 43 and leading in yardage with 661. He averaged 15.4 yards per catch last season, the fourth-best by any tight end in the FBS. He hopes to improve on those marks as he gears up for his senior season.  

This is the third straight year the Wolfpack have had a receiver on the list. In the past, Wolfpack legends like Jerricho Cotchery (2003) and Koren Robinson (2000) were named semi-finalists, while Torry Holt was named a finalist in 1999. 

Before the watch lists and preseason accolades, Joly was entering 2025 with some serious hype. The former U-Conn tight end, Joly, was ranked No. 146 on Pro Football Focus’s 2026 NFL Draft big board. If he puts up another successful 2025 season, the NFL will be intrigued by his unique mix of size and speed.  

While a Huskie, Joly was rated a two-star prospect by 247Sports. He didn’t play much in his true freshman season, but he caught 18 passes, with two being for touchdowns. He improved on those marks in his sophomore season, and in 2023, he achieved 578 yards, still only finishing with two touchdowns. 

He then made a what seems to be a good decision so far and transferred to the Wolfpack in the offseason of 2024. He was a decorated transfer earning a four-star rating and made serious strides in the past year with the Wolfpack.

He and sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey look to have an even better 2025, and propel the Wolfpack offense into a serious threat within the ACC. 

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

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