NC State Football Sets Sights High With Offer to Elijah Golden

The coveted Florida prospect is the latest addition to a rapidly growing 2026 NC State football wishlist.
NC State football
NC State football / Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

As of Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School (Fla.) four-star Elijah Golden's NC State football offer reveal on Wednesday afternoon, Dave Doeren and his Wolfpack have targeted 14 defensive linemen on the 2026 recruiting trail. Twelve remain undecided.

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In the eyes of 247Sports, the 6-foot-3, 275-pound Golden is now the highest-ranked talent in that group. He stacks up at No. 40 overall, No. 1 among defensive linemen, and No. 7 in Florida.

Golden, an elite run-stopper, reported his offer out of Raleigh via the following post on social media:

Considering the NC State football staff is the 31st to enter the fray for Golden, Doeren and his crew have work to do in catching up to some of the longtime suitors in the race.

"He is most closely linked to Notre Dame, Michigan, and Florida," 247Sports' Eric Thomas noted about the high-profile Elijah Golden sweepstakes on Wednesday.

The NC State football recruiting team has landed two 2026 pledges to date. Both are of the three-star variety in Reagan High School (N.C.) quarterback Jacob Smith and Trinity Episcopal School (Va.) offensive tackle Brady Sakowitz.

ALSO READ: Powerful In-State Defensive Lineman Receives Wolfpack Offer

Stay tuned to NC State Wolfpack On SI for more NC State football recruiting news.


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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.