2025 NC State Football Preview: Rebuilding the Defensive Line for a Stronger Season
RALEIGH, N.C. – August 3, 2025 — As the NC State Wolfpack gears up for the 2025 college football season, one of the most pressing topics in fall camp is the state of the defensive line. After a 2024 season that saw a significant dip in production from a historically dominant front, Head Coach Dave Doeren and new Defensive Coordinator D.J. Eliot are tasked with engineering a resurgence in the trenches.
A Step Back in 2024
The 2024 season exposed several vulnerabilities up front. Once known for their physicality and relentless pressure, the Wolfpack defense slipped in key statistical categories. With the departure of standout lineman Davin Vann, the unit lost both leadership and consistency. The pass rush struggled, and opponents increasingly found success running between the tackles.
“It’s not where we wanted to be,” Coach Doeren admitted in his preseason press conference. “We need to get back to dictating games at the line of scrimmage.”
Fresh Faces and Fierce Competition
To fill the void, the coaching staff has brought in an intriguing mix of transfers, returners, and promising freshmen. Among the most notable names is Brandon Cleveland, a returner expected to anchor the unit. At 6’3″, 295 pounds, Cleveland combines experience with versatility and is likely to be the cornerstone of Eliot’s revamped scheme.
Joining him are three new transfer additions:
- Sabastian Harsh (Nebraska): A high-motor player with a knack for chasing down plays in the backfield.
- Tre Thomas (Arkansas State): Known for his explosiveness off the edge.
- Joseph Adedire (Texas Tech): Brings Big 12 experience and technique to the fold.
Freshmen Josh Alexander‑Felton, Justin Terrell, and Josiah Victor round out the competition, each making early impressions in camp with their agility and energy. Coaches say all three are pushing for rotation reps, signaling a youth movement that may come sooner than expected.
Depth and Development
The interior depth remains a concern, but the program is optimistic about the development of redshirt juniors and lesser-known contributors like C.J. Clark and Noah Potter, who are being counted on to elevate their play. Defensive line coach Todd Goebbel noted that the depth chart is “fluid,” with ongoing scrimmages determining who cracks the starting rotation.
“We’re evaluating daily,” Goebbel said. “We’ve got talent — now it’s about consistency and toughness.”
A New Scheme Under Eliot
D.J. Eliot, brought in during the offseason, has installed a hybrid front that emphasizes speed, stunts, and disguise. Early reports suggest that this new alignment could unlock more creativity, especially for edge rushers.
“The focus is on disruption,” Eliot said. “We’re not just trying to hold ground; we want to create chaos in the backfield.”
That shift in philosophy is already apparent in camp, with blitz packages and aggressive line shifts drawing praise from defensive veterans.
Outlook for the Season
Though preseason ACC rankings place NC State 10th, there’s cautious optimism surrounding the defense — particularly if the line gels early. With the season opener just weeks away, the Wolfpack are banking on a revitalized front four to reestablish their defensive identity.
The Wolfpack open their 2025 campaign at home against Old Dominion on August 31. How well the new-look defensive line performs may very well dictate the ceiling for NC State’s season.
Key Names to Watch:
- Brandon Cleveland – Veteran leader and linchpin of the front.
- Joseph Adedire – Potential breakout pass rusher.
- Josh Alexander‑Felton – Talented freshman with upside.
- Tre Thomas & Sabastian Harsh – Transfers expected to contribute immediately.
Final Word: Rebuilding won’t be easy, but with fresh personnel and a new defensive scheme, the NC State defensive line could be one of the program’s biggest surprises in 2025.
