NC State football received a major boost with the news that Jalen Grant, a talented offensive lineman, will be joining the team for his final year of eligibility. Grant, who has previously played at Purdue and Bowling Green, is expected to make a significant impact as the Wolfpack works to rebuild its program and become a stronger contender in the ACC. The news was reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Grant, an offensive guard from Chicago, Illinois, was a 3-star recruit in the 2020 class. He started 12 games in 2023 and three in 2024 for Purdue. He enters the transfer portal with an 86.00 industry rating from On3. NC State’s offensive line was inconsistent this past season, and Grant is seen as a key addition to help shore up the unit.
The 2024 season was difficult for NC State, with high expectations at the start. The team was ranked No. 24 and faced No. 14 Tennessee in a critical early-season matchup, which resulted in a disappointing 51-10 loss. Quarterback Grayson McCall struggled with injuries throughout the season, leading to his retirement in October. Freshman CJ Tiller took over, impressing with 14 touchdown passes and five rushing touchdowns, finishing with the 60th-best QBR in the nation.
Despite an underwhelming regular season, NC State has reasons to be optimistic heading into 2025. Head coach Dave Doeren has built a consistently competitive program in Raleigh, and with the 12-team College Football Playoff offering more opportunities for teams like NC State, the Wolfpack could return to ACC contention next year. With the addition of Grant, the team is poised to strengthen its interior line and make strides both in the conference and nationally.
