Former NC State stars are scattered across the NFL, gearing up for the 2025 season. From standout receivers to dominant linemen, here are the top names to know representing the Wolfpack in the NFL.
Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders Wide Receiver
Fresh off his first 1,000-yard season, Meyers is arguably NC State’s biggest NFL star heading into the season. Meyers thrived as the Raiders’ top receiver. The former Wolfpack star has come a long way since signing with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2019.
Meyers’ future with the Raiders is uncertain after he requested a trade earlier this month. Unable to reach an agreement with the Raiders for a new contract while entering the final year on his current deal, Meyers is at a career crossroads.
With a strong showing this season — either with the Raiders or a new team via trade — Meyers has the opportunity to land a large contract. Expect strong numbers from the Pack Pro as he plays one of his most important seasons.
Payton Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker
Wilson adjusted to life in the NFL quickly last season as a rookie with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wilson addressed predraft concerns about his durability by playing all 17 games last season, improving throughout the season. By the end of the year, Wilson recorded 78 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one interception.
This season, Wilson is expected to be a regular starter at linebacker alongside Patrick Queen. The 2023 All-Pro linebacker elevates Wilson’s game by providing a steady presence next to him.
After a combined five tackles in the first five weeks, the former Wolfpack star had 31 in the next four outings, earning a permanent spot in the starting lineup. Wilson’s combination of instincts, speed and elite work ethic makes him a prime breakout candidate as a star for Pittsburgh.
Ikem Ekwonu, Carolina Panthers Offensive Lineman
The former No. 6 overall pick has posted an up-and-down career early in Carolina and is now entering a key year. Entering year four with the Panthers, Ekwonu has two years remaining on his deal after Carolina picked up his fifth-year option. This season will be crucial for Ekwonu earning a second contract. Proving he can consistently be a franchise left tackle for Carolina will take a career year, but the potential and opportunity are certainly there.
Unfortunately for him, the season is off to a rocky start before it has begun. Undergoing an emergency appendectomy, Ekwonu’s status is unclear for the start of the season. Players in his position have taken anywhere from eight days to a few weeks to return to the field.
Once he returns from his procedure, Ekwonu will look to build off a good 2024 campaign. Per PFF, Ekwonu graded out as a 71.7 last year — an above-average tackle. However, as a run blocker, Ekwonu really shone with an 80.5 grade, good for 11th-best in the NFL among tackles.
Ekwonu will be key to establishing Carolina’s identity as a hard-nosed, run-first offense, with running back Chuba Hubbard toting the rock. The next step for Ekwonu is to round out his game as a pass protector.
Joe Thuney, Chicago Bears Offensive Lineman
The four-time Super Bowl champion was traded this past offseason from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Chicago Bears. Thuney’s task will be leading a revamped offensive line responsible for protecting last year’s No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Caleb Williams. While it takes five linemen to truly protect a quarterback, Thuney is a perfect addition to jumpstart the unit’s improvement.
Despite being 32, Thuney continues to play at a high level. PFF graded him as the fifth-best pass-blocking guard last year with a grade of 82.0. Notably, Thuney didn’t surrender a single sack last season.
Additionally, Thuney proved his versatility last year in Kansas City, taking on tackle duties at times — something that could prove to be very helpful in case of injuries this season for the Bears. If Thuney can replicate his past success, expect him to be one of Chicago’s best players.
Russell Wilson, New York Giants Quarterback
Wilson is once again on the move this season, joining the New York Giants. Expected to start the season as QB1 for the Giants, Wilson is joining his third team in four years. At 36, Wilson isn’t the same quarterback who led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory a decade ago.
However, he has an opportunity to turn back the clock as he leads the Giants. At 46,135 career passing yards, Wilson will also have the chance to surpass 50,000 yards — a feat only 12 NFL quarterbacks have achieved.
Wilson’s best asset this season will be star receiver Malik Nabers. The second-year receiver had an impressive rookie campaign and will be one of the top players in the NFL this season. Expect to see Wilson target Nabers early and often. Outside of Nabers, the cupboard is bare for New York — a major challenge for Wilson.
Along with guiding the offense, Wilson will be responsible for guiding Jaxson Dart, the Giants’ first-round pick and future quarterback. Guiding and setting up Dart for success could be one final piece of Wilson’s legacy as a potential Hall of Fame quarterback.
