Philip Rivers. Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Philip Rivers' son, Gunner Rivers, commits to NC State Wolfpack

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 10:20 PM ET

Philip Rivers made news this past NFL season for making a comeback with the Indianapolis Colts at 44 years old.

Now his son, Gunner Rivers, is making news. This news is a bit more conventional, though.

The younger Rivers is a four-star quarterback out of Fairhope, Alabama (St. Michael Catholic). On Monday, Gunner committed to the school where his dad was a superstar from 2000 to 2003.

It was announced on Monday that he made his decision to commit to the NC State Wolfpack.

Auburn, Georgia, Miami and Boston College, amongst others, were also in the running, but the fit at NC State was there.

Rivers obviously has strong ties to the program, but Michael Clark of 247Sports is reporting that Dave Doeren and his staff made this about him and not his legendary dad.

It was about how he would fit in and flourish at NC State. There was also a strong connection with offensive coordinator Kurt Roper.

BREAKING 4-star QB Gunner Rivers has committed to NC State

Gunner is the son of 8x Pro Bowler Philip Rivers.

Read: https://t.co/GS9zEUbwYL pic.twitter.com/sC6Sxaotgs
— Rivals (@Rivals) February 23, 2026

Gunner Rivers to follow in his father's footsteps at NC State

In 2025, Rivers was an All-State player for his high school as he led St. Michael to a 13-1 record. He threw for 3,176 yards and 46 touchdowns compared to just five interceptions.

Checking in at nearly 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, Rivers is ranked as the No. 6 quarterback in the 2027 class, according to 247Sports. He's a massive early commitment for NC State and will absolutely bring some excitement to the program after last season's 8-5 campaign.

Philip Rivers, also the head coach at St. Michael, was the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2000, the ACC Player of the Year in 2003, and the ACC Athlete of the Year in 2004.

He was the fourth-overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, and he put up eight Pro Bowl seasons.

He's the leading passer in NC State history, having thrown for 13,484 yards and 95 touchdowns for the Wolfpack.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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