This winter, something is different in Raleigh — NC State fans aren’t just hopeful, they’re expectant.
From the pool to the mat to the court, NC State enters this winter with a level of anticipation rarely seen across multiple sports at once. Nationally ranked swim and dive squads lead the way, while gymnastics, track and wrestling each have key returners who give their teams postseason potential. Men’s and women’s basketball add to the excitement with strong showings as the season gets underway.
Returning depth, good recruits and program stability have fans paying attention, setting up for a Wolfpack winter that feels like something big.
Swim and Dive
NC State swimming and diving enters the heart of its season as one of the school’s strongest programs, with both teams ranked in the top 10 nationally as they start the season 2-0. The men’s squad sits at No. 10, leading the ACC behind standout sophomore Kaii Winkler.
On the women’s side, the Pack boasts a No. 5 national ranking, led by freshman breaststroke star Eneli Jefimova. Both teams compete at the U.S. Open in Austin, Texas, from Dec. 3-6, a key midseason meet featuring some of the fastest swimmers in the country.
Wrestling
NC State’s wrestling team brings one of the most intense, personal experiences of the winter season. With several wrestlers chasing national championships this year, No. 10 NC State wrestling (3-2) has the potential for an exciting season.
One of the best in the Pack’s wrestling room is Vince Robinson, a redshirt sophomore from Chicago, Illinois. Robinson won the 2025 national championship in the 125-pound weight class and was the first Wolfpack freshman to win a national title since 1980.
“We are expecting another title,” Robinson said in an interview with Pack Pride following his National Championship. “We’re gonna get that done for sure next season.”
Next up for Wolfpack wrestling is Morgan State at 1 p.m. on Dec. 7, in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.
Gymnastics
NC State gymnastics is gearing up for another competitive season following its 2024 ACC Championship and a stint at No. 20 in the national rankings last year. The team will showcase its talent at the annual Red and White exhibition at Reynolds Coliseum on Saturday, Dec. 20, before opening the official season with an SEC road dual at Auburn on Jan. 9.
Additionally, a key home meet against in-state rival North Carolina on Feb. 8 will air nationally on ACC Network. This season, all eyes will be on how effectively the Pack’s newcomers, recruits and transfers alike, blend with experienced returners to maintain lineup depth and competitiveness in a tough ACC.
Indoor Track
Did you know track also happens in the winter? While it may seem similar to spring outdoor track, there are a few notable differences.
For starters, indoor track is exactly what it sounds like: a winter sport held inside. Because of that, the event lineup isn’t the same. For example, the mile, 60-meter and 3,000-meter generally take place in the winter, while the 3,000-meter steeplechase, hammer throw and discus generally are spring-specific.
Plus, indoor tracks are half the size of outdoor tracks, which impacts times and strategy. Overall, it’s the same sport with a different setup, giving winter competition its own unique feel.
One of the Pack’s top runners is Grace Hartman. A senior from Oakwood, Ohio, she is not only a high-level athlete but an academic weapon, receiving the 2025 Elite-Scholar Athlete Award. During the 2025 NCAA Cross Country Championships in November, she earned All-American honors after running an 18:52.06 in the 6,000-meter.
The indoor track team will have its season opener on Dec. 6 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Women’s Basketball
NC State women’s basketball is off to a 5-3 start this season, carrying the momentum of a No. 9 preseason ranking under 13th-year head coach Wes Moore, the 2024 ACC Coach of the Year. Standouts like junior forward Khamil Pierre and junior guard Zoe Brooks continue to anchor the lineup, while sophomore forward Tilda Trygger and junior UConn transfer guard Qadence Samuels add valuable size and depth.
In a recent tournament in Cancun, the Pack dropped 110 points in a blowout win over Southern Mississippi, with Pierre scoring 18 and grabbing 16 rebounds. With its mix of experience, promising newcomers and non-conference tests underway, the Wolfpack appear positioned to contend for the ACC again this winter.
Men’s Basketball
NC State men’s basketball (5-2) generated a lot of preseason buzz with the hiring of head coach Will Wade. Before coming to Raleigh, Wade had 11 years of experience as a head coach, serving at VCU, LSU and McNeese. Although he had a checkered tenure with the Tigers, Wade has been able to turn programs around in the past, and many hope he will do the same at NC State.
At times, a shimmer of hope shines through for the team, particularly offensively. The Pack’s defense leaves something to be desired, allowing 50% from 3-point range during the last game against Texas.
“We’re just not where we need to be defensively,” Wade said in an interview following the loss.
However, Wade later reaffirmed his confidence in the Wolfpack, saying, “I still believe in our guys,” citing the team’s character.
Hopes are still high for Wade’s first season. It is still very early, with the Pack not scheduled to play its first conference game until the end of the month.
Overall, while there is certainly room for improvement, there is still a lot for Wolfpack fans to be excited about.
Next up for the Wolfpack is No. 20 Auburn at 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, which you can watch on ESPN.
