NC State football has always packed a punch—from the Lou Holtz era to Philip Rivers’ record-setting years to recent 10-win teams. Gritty, blue-collar, and battle-tested, the Pack has produced some sneaky-great squads. Here are the Top 5 NC State teams of all time.
#5 – 2021 – 9–3 | Bowl Canceled | The Team That Deserved More
The 2021 Wolfpack were one of the most balanced and talented squads in school history. Quarterback Devin Leary threw for over 3,400 yards with 35 touchdowns and only five interceptions, while the defense ranked among the ACC’s best in scoring and red-zone efficiency. With statement wins over Clemson and North Carolina, this group proved that Dave Doeren had elevated the program to new heights. Although their Holiday Bowl matchup with UCLA was canceled due to COVID issues, this team’s grit and consistency made it one of the most complete NC State squads of the modern era.
#4 – 1994 – 9–3 | Peach Bowl Champs | The Quiet Storm
In Mike O’Cain’s first season as head coach, the Wolfpack quietly put together a 9–3 record and capped the year with a dramatic 28–24 victory over Mississippi State in the Peach Bowl. Quarterback Terry Harvey and wide receiver Mike Kretschmer led a balanced offense, while the defense made key plays when it mattered most. The team finished ranked #17 in the AP Poll and reestablished NC State as a contender in the post-Dick Sheridan era. The 1994 team’s resilience and complete performance across all phases of the game made it one of the defining seasons of the 1990s.
#3 – 1967 – 9–2 | Liberty Bowl Champs | The Earle Edwards Era Peak
Under veteran coach Earle Edwards, the 1967 Wolfpack burst onto the national scene. They started the season 8–0, climbed as high as #3 in the AP Poll, and capped the year with a hard-fought 14–7 Liberty Bowl win over Georgia. Quarterback Jim Donnan and linebacker Dennis Byrd — the school’s first consensus All-American — were the cornerstones of a disciplined and physical team. With victories over UNC and powerhouse Houston, this squad gave NC State its first major bowl triumph and solidified the 1960s as a golden era for the program.
#2 – 2002 – 11–3 | Gator Bowl Champs | The Rivers Redemption
The 2002 Wolfpack delivered one of the greatest seasons in NC State history. Led by quarterback Philip Rivers, wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, and a fierce, fast defense, the Pack achieved the first 11-win campaign in school history. After a brief midseason stumble, they closed the year with dominant performances, including a 23–10 dismantling of Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl. Rivers threw for more than 3,300 yards, showcasing the poise and leadership that made him one of the ACC’s all-time greats. Finishing #11 in the final AP Poll, this team gave fans a season of national respect and enduring pride.
#1 – 1973 – 9–3 | ACC Champions | Lou’s Lightning Strike
In just his second year at the helm, head coach Lou Holtz transformed NC State into an ACC powerhouse. The 1973 team went 9–3, captured the ACC title, and delivered a decisive 31–18 victory over Kansas in the Liberty Bowl. Quarterback Dave Buckey led a dynamic offense, while the defense overwhelmed opponents and outscored them by more than 100 points over the season. Ranked #16 in the final AP Poll, this group broke the conference dominance of Clemson and Maryland and established a winning culture that carried through the decade. Holtz’s fiery leadership and quick success made this team a true turning point in Wolfpack history.
