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Call it fate, destiny or even divine intervention, life has a way of making sure people end up where they’re supposed to be.
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That couldn’t be more true for N.C. State transfer quarterback Tad Hudson.
Hudson’s journey to the Wolfpack, like many players, started during his high school years. Originally from Huntersville, North Carolina, he received interest from 15 FBS schools. Former N.C. State offensive coordinator Tim Beck gave Hudson his first scholarship offer.
He didn’t choose the Wolfpack.
Instead, Hudson started his career in Chapel Hill. The younger brother of Ann Michael (née Hudson) Maye spent one season alongside Drake Maye, now his brother-in-law and New England Patriots quarterback. He joined Beck at Coastal Carolina for two seasons.
This offseason, Hudson finally swapped out the powder blue and teal for red.
“I’ve talked to my parents about this a good amount of times,” Hudson told the News & Observer. “When I first got here, it’s obviously tough moving to new places, changing schools, changing your friends. But as I settled in, it’s like, ‘Man, why didn’t I come here out of high school?’ I wish I would have made that decision, but I’ve enjoyed the journey.”
Some N.C. State fans take every opportunity they can to remind UNC supporters — and Drake Maye himself — that the former Tar Heel never beat the Wolfpack. Hudson was present for Carolina’s 39-20 loss to N.C. State in 2023.
Nearly three years later, Hudson is on the other side of the rivalry.
The senior QB said everyone is happy, even if Hudson’s move divides team allegiances and his diploma will say N.C. State. (His younger sister, Khaki, currently attends UNC.)
“We’re all pretty close, about as close as we can get,” Hudson said. “Wherever we all go, if it’s here, Chapel Hill, they’re gonna be proud. They’re gonna love me for it.”
The Wolfpack travels west on I-40 this year, taking the season finale back to Kenan Stadium. His parents will wear red, Hudson said, so will most of his other family members. For his sisters, though, that might be a step too far.
“I don’t think they’ll put on the red,” Hudson said. “But, they might wear some black. Yeah, they might put black on.”
Hudson’s parents declined a request for an interview, and the N&O did not receive a response from the Patriots. Ann Michael, however, did send Hudson to summer workouts with of her famous cookies.
Grayson McCall played four games at N.C. State before medically retiring in 2024, only two of which he completed. He left the other contests with head injuries.
Yet McCall deserves credit for Hudson’s time at Coastal Carolina and now at N.C. State.
“Before I came to Coastal, when I was leaving Carolina, I talked to him,” Hudson said. “Obviously, he loved it. That’s his home. He’s a legend there. When he came back to coach after playing here, he loved it here. He loved everybody around him.”
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Hudson was a four-star recruit in high school and not only received interest from N.C. State and Carolina, he received offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia Tech and Kentucky.
He redshirted as a freshman, playing behind Maye and Conner Harrell, before appearing in one game with the Chanticleers as a sophomore.
Last year, he played in 11 games and started in seven, replacing former N.C. State quarterback MJ Morris. Hudson finished the 2025 season with 1,253 passing yards and six touchdowns. He added a pair of rushing touchdowns.
Hudson didn’t plan to leave Conway when he did. In fact, he would’ve been the eldest quarterback had he remained with the Chanticleers. Coastal Carolina fired Tim Beck last year, leaving Hudson and his teammates in an uncertain position.
Hudson already had close relationships with Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren and offensive coordinator Kurt Roper.
“I’ve known Tad since eighth grade,” Doeren said. “We loved him. He actually came to one of our camps as an eighth grader, and I was impressed with him all the way back then.”
Roper contacted Hudson when he hit the portal. The staff wanted a “seasoned guy,” Doeren said, who can pass the football and provide quality depth. That, alongside McCall’s glowing review, gave him all the more reason to finish his career and degree in Raleigh.
“It’s a great university,” Hudson said. “I just thought I’d have a better opportunity somewhere else.”
Hudson smiled at his teammates last week as they walked through Close-King Practice Facility. They were all headed to the cold tubs and rehab.
He’s happy to be with the team and have an opportunity, whether he’s practicing alongside the backups or the third string players. It doesn’t matter. Hudson wants to play football and help the team win, whether it’s on the field or on the sideline.
“Tad Hudson brings a different type of energy. He’s a guy who takes his role very seriously, and he just comes every day to work,” said running back Duke Scott. “That’s something you always respect; a guy who comes in every day, knowing his role, knowing what he wants to do, and elevates the guys around him.”
There were bumps, curves and vastly different colored jerseys during Hudson’s career. He needed those experiences to become the person he is today — and discover he is supposed to wear Wolfpack red.
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