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Several teams attempted to lure CJ Bailey from N.C. State — he admitted as much this summer when discussing his reasons for staying with the Wolfpack.
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The junior quarterback called Raleigh “home,” and says the program is “a family.” He’s not the only player to use those descriptions — thousands across the country have said the same thing about their schools — but it really feels like that for Bailey, and now several of his teammates.
While N.C. State football prioritizes in-state recruiting and has historically featured the highest percentage of local players among the other major institutions, it has recently become a destination for players from South Florida.
The area, defined as Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties, is home to 14 players on N.C. State’s 2026 roster, more than any other location. That doesn’t include the Floridians who grew up in other areas of the state.
To put it another way: Just over a dozen Wolfpack players were teammates and/or opponents through their local high schools and competitive youth football clubs.
“They’re my brothers. I can’t even stress to y’all how much,” Bailey said at ACC Kickoff. “We came up together.”
Bailey, running back Davion Gause, who transferred from UNC, and wide receiver Joshisa “JoJo” Trader (Miami) attended Chaminade-Madonna in Hollywood, Florida, together. Safety King Mack (Penn State/Alabama) and receiver Chance Robinson attended St. Thomas Aquinas of Fort Lauderdale. In total, the Pack has four groups of former high school teammates. Popo Aguirre is not from Florida, but he played alongside Robinson and Trader at Miami a year ago.
Bailey, Gause, Trader and Mack played for the Miami Gardens Ravens youth club, too, though Mack was a year older. The third-year QB told reporters he reached out to Gause, Trader and Robinson when they hit the portal.
“They knew they wanted to get out from the other schools,” Bailey said. “They knew who they grew up with, who the quarterback is. … We were on the same page. Like, ‘I wanna go play with you.’ That’s what it was. That’s what happened. We’re gonna turn it up this year for sure.”
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Mack expressed excitement about the reunion and, like everyone else, praised the Wolfpack’s family atmosphere. In fact, he called his transfer to N.C. State the “easiest transition ever.”
“Seeing them all is so crazy,” Mack said on Thursday. “Every time I see them, I’m like, it’s the old Ravens party all over again. I feel like I’m in little league again.”
The pre-existing relationships should help on the field, too. Bailey has helped translate terminology and expectations, shown his teammates around campus and exposed them to various spots in the Triangle.
On top of the logistical assistance, Gause said they know one another’s strengths, weaknesses and patterns. They know how to motivate one another and know how to win together.
Bailey also can explain the desired outcome of different plays, including why a player runs a specific route and what defenders they’re trying to draw. And he can do it in a way each individual can understand. That’s what happens when players have been together since elementary school.
“You can’t tell me that you’re not gonna give it your all, especially when you know their background, you know where they came from, you know their why,” Mack said. “Once you know their why, it definitely gives you a reason to go harder.”
The Wolfpack has just under one month before it takes the field for the 2026 season. Every season is special, but this fall will be extra meaningful, at least for the group of South Florida guys.
They’re a little more grown up, and they feel like kids in their hometown once again.
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This story was originally published July 31, 2026 at 3:00 PM.