All Wolfpack

NC State Football Leapfrogs Rival UNC in Recruiting Rankings

The Wolfpack tacked on a two-pledge July day to the 2025 NC State football recruiting story.

Matt Giles

UNC football head coach Mack Brown and NC State football's Dave Doeren
UNC football head coach Mack Brown and NC State football's Dave Doeren / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Neither the NC State football recruiters nor their UNC football rivals are where they hope to end up in the 2025 class rankings. But on Thursday, Dave Doeren and the Wolfpack jumped a handful of spots by adding two more pieces to their collection. In doing so, they passed Mack Brown's Tar Heels.

At this time last week, UNC's 12-deep 2025 haul, featuring a trio of four-star prospects, ranked No. 50 in the nation while NC State appeared at No. 52.

Now, with a 16-deep group that includes one four-star, the Wolfpack are up to No. 48. The Tar Heels have slid to No. 52.

Newberry High School (Fla.) defensive end Mykah Newton, a 6-foot-2, 255-pound three-star who sits at No. 154 among Florida preps on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, announced his commitment to Doeren & Co. in his school's gym.

Around the same time, Louisville Male High School (Ky.) center Isaac Sowells Jr. revealed his pledge to the Wolfpack on social media. The 6-foot-2, 295-pound three-star ranks No. 504 overall in the country. He chose NC State over fellow finalists South Carolina and Kentucky.

The 2025 NC State football recruiting class now ranks No. 11 among the ACC's 17 programs. UNC is down to No. 14 on that list.

More NC State Wolfpack News

Published
Matt Giles

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of NC State Wolfpack on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining NC State Wolfpack on SI in 2024, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

Home/Football