NC State football announces new ‘Uno.’ Who’s next to don the iconic No. 1?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Linebacker Caden Fordham earned NC State's No. 1 jersey for leadership and grit.
- Fordham joins six defenders since 2014 honored with NC State’s symbolic jersey.
- Team captains include Fordham, Sean Brown, CJ Bailey and Anthony Carter for 2025.
A new No. 1 will take the field at Carter-Finley Stadium in a little more than one week.
N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren announced Tuesday linebacker Caden Fordham earned the program’s coveted No. 1 jersey, his teammates already calling him “Uno.”
“It’s such a blessing,” Fordham said on Tuesday. “Thankful to all my teammates and Coach Doeren for giving me the opportunity to wear it. I’m going to do everything in my power to uphold the standard to what this number means.”
Doeren awards the No. 1 to the player who shows excellence through on-field performance, a strong work ethic and high-level leadership. Former defensive end Davin Vann wore it the last two years. Defensive quality control assistant and former linebacker Isaiah Moore wore No. 1 for three seasons.
Fordham also said the player who earns the jersey provides consistency, giving every bit of effort and being someone others can emulate, even off the field.
Goal achieved for Fordham
The team found out Tuesday morning during a meeting that the graduate student earned the distinction. It had been something Fordham wanted to achieve since his freshman year, when Isaiah Moore wore the number. Doeren told the linebacker this summer only the hardest working players get the honor.
“It was always a goal of mine to get this number,” Fordham said. “I’m very happy that I’ve earned it now.”
Moore, who played alongside Fordham in 2021 and 2022, said he came to N.C. State with energy and “juice.” He’s witnessed Fordham improve as a player, overcome injuries and make the environment around him better.
Fordham has embraced a role of mentor and helper for the younger players but began a nonprofit that provides sports equipment to children in need. Those around him believe the recognition is deserved.
“He found opportunities to lead, and he did it in his own way,” Moore said. “He didn’t try to be me, he didn’t try to be Payton [Wilson], he didn’t try to be Drake [Thomas]. He just wanted to be Caden Fordham. I told him that would be enough, and it was enough. I’m extremely happy for him. It couldn’t happen to a better person, and I’m honored to have him in the ‘Uno Club’ with me.”
There have been four consecutive defensive players to earn the No. 1 jersey and six since 2014. Moore’s three seasons is the most by a Wolfpack player.
“I think it just speaks to how we like to carry ourselves as a Wolfpack defense,” Fordham said. “We like to have that mentality of, ‘Nobody can beat us.’ We like to go out there and play physical football every week, and we look to continue to do that.”
Wolfpack team captains
Fordham was named one of four team captains, as well. He and linebacker Sean Brown were selected as the defensive captains. Quarterback CJ Bailey, the youngest captain under Doeren, and offensive lineman Anthony Carter were selected for the offense.
The captains were selected by a team vote.
Brown started his career at safety before moving to the linebacker position last season. After Fordham’s injury, Brown recorded a team-leading 96 tackles, three sacks and a pair of forced fumbles.
Bailey stepped into a leadership role when he took over for Grayson McCall last year after the older QB sustained two concussions. His freshman campaign ranks among the program’s best.
Anthony Carter has been a member of the Pack since 2020. He has been a staple on the offensive line, playing primarily at left guard.
“All four of these men have earned their place as leaders by their words and their actions,” Doeren said in a statement. “They represent the best of what we are, on and off the field, and have earned the respect of their teammates and their coaches.”
