How Will Wilson’s historic performance lifted NC State over North Carolina
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- Wilson converted 10 of 12 short-yardage plays and remains perfect on fourth downs.
- Will Wilson rushed for four touchdowns in a single game, first Wolfpack QB to do so.
- Wilson’s rushing sustained drives and sealed a fifth straight win over UNC.
N.C. State starting quarterback CJ Bailey, beaming with excitement, put his arm around true freshman quarterback Will Wilson and exclaimed in celebration.
“The G.O.A.T. Four touchdowns!” Bailey yelled.
All season, Bailey has received much of the (deserved) attention for the Wolfpack offense. He hasn’t been a one-man show, though. While Bailey has been a steady presence in the backfield, several offensive players have contributed big performances throughout the year. In N.C. State’s 42-19 win over North Carolina, Wilson stepped up for a historic performance.
Wilson ran for 54 yards on 12 carries and four touchdowns. He became the first quarterback in Wolfpack history to record four rushing scores in a single game, surpassing Bailey and Russell Wilson who had three.
“First and foremost, I just want to give glory to God for just allowing me to take the field with my brothers and play for them,” Wilson said. “It means a lot [to set the record], but it means the most just being out there, getting to contribute, play for the seniors and give them a win. That meant the most.”
Wilson scored his first touchdown of the game on a 7-yard rush up the middle and put N.C. State on top 14-0. He added a second touchdown with seven minutes before the break. That trip to the end zone gave the Pack a 21-7 lead.
His most impressive score, however, came in the fourth quarter. Wilson ran for 15 yards, carrying nearly half of the UNC defenders while his offense helped push him from behind. On another play, tight end Justin Joly helped Wilson as he rushed the football — defenders hanging off of his body again.
Wilson entered the game with 91 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He is now up to nine scores, the team’s new scoring leader, and 145 yards.
This isn’t at all surprising to head coach Dave Doeren or Wilson’s teammates. They credited his natural talent, athleticism and strength. Wilson can squat more than 600 pounds. He’s not a guy who can get knocked back easily.
“He rushed for 400 yards in one game in high school. It’s not like a secret that he could run,” Doeren said. “We recruited a guy who can throw the ball and run the ball, and that’s what we got. We were hopeful that he’d be able to do what he’s doing for us.”
Linebacker Caden Fordham called Wilson “a freak of an athlete.” When the N.C. State defense practiced against him, Fordham said it had troubles stopping him.
“It’s very difficult for opposing teams to try to stop that and prepare for it,” Fordham said. “It’s another thing that they have to put on their list of things they have to stop. And it’s awesome having him on our team.”
When Wilson wasn’t actively scoring, he was making plays on the field in other short-yardage situations. The freshman converted on 10 of 12 plays, either for a first down or a touchdown, bringing his total to 30 conversions on 39 attempts this season (76.9%).
Wilson remains perfect on fourth down, going 8 for 8 on the year and 3 for 3 against the Tar Heels.
“A lot of freshmen don’t get this opportunity, so I take full advantage of it,” Wilson said. “I’m just trying to get experience, being on the field during crucial moments, taking it all in, and just executing, doing what the team needs me to do. It’s awesome. It’s a blessing.”
Bailey and Fordham said Wilson’s production and consistency is one thing the team doesn’t have to worry about in games. When Wilson goes in, the sophomore is on the sideline getting ready for whatever comes next. Bailey, specifically, is already preparing for the next play.
The team knows it’s almost always getting the first down or the touchdown. It has that much trust.
“Dude’s hard to stop in those short-yardage situations,” Fordham said. “They’re huge plays in the game. Fourth down conversions are something that wins ball games. It’s awesome to have that on our side and be able to use that tool.”
Bailey said he loves seeing players be great, and Wilson deserves every bit of praise. He put in effort behind the scenes to get to this point, pushing everyone in the quarterback room to be their best selves.
Offensive coordinator Kurt Roper, the offensive line and the tight ends received credit as well for helping put Wilson in a position to make positive plays. The blockers opened up weak spots for Wilson to run and Roper spent nearly a year developing Wilson. The elder quarterback, who stepped into a large role last year as a true freshman, has provided confidence and encouragement. All of that paid off in N.C. State’s fifth straight win over Carolina and a strong end to the regular season.
“You take talent, you take scheme, you take confidence, and you get good results. It’s helped us,” Doeren said. “We were 4 for 4 on fourth down tonight, kept the ball on the field and time of possession adds up. Their defense gets tired. Really proud of the guys for executing.”
This story was originally published November 30, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
