News Summary
In a thrilling matchup at Carter-Finley Stadium, NC State Football fell short against Virginia Tech, losing by a narrow margin of 23-21. The game saw multiple lead changes and a pivotal fourth down play in the final minutes that sealed the Hokies’ victory. NC State’s offense struggled, with quarterback CJ Bailey throwing for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Virginia Tech’s standout performance came from Terion Stewart, who rushed for 174 yards. The Wolfpack will aim to rebound in their next game against Campbell.
Raleigh, N.C. — NC State Football Suffer Narrow Loss to Virginia Tech in 23-21 Thriller
In Raleigh, North Carolina, the NC State Wolfpack experienced a closely contested football game on September 27, 2025, losing to Virginia Tech with a final score of 23-21. The game, played at Carter-Finley Stadium, featured intense competition, multiple lead changes, and a final play that sealed the Hokies’ victory.
Key Moments and Game Overview
With just 1 minute and 32 seconds remaining in the match, NC State had possession of the ball and an opportunity to turn the game around. However, the Wolfpack failed to convert on a crucial fourth down play when quarterback CJ Bailey’s pass intended for Justin Joly was broken up, preventing their potential game-winning drive. Virginia Tech’s defense stepped up at that moment, defending the pass and securing the victory.
The game was highly competitive, featuring six lead changes that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Despite the close score, NC State’s offensive performance was below their season average, managing less than 300 total yards for the first time in this season. The Wolfpack’s rushing attack struggled significantly, averaging only 1.8 yards per carry — their lowest since September 7 of the previous year. Additionally, Hollywood Smothers’ streak of rushing for over 100 yards was snapped at three games, marking a tough outing for the Wolfpack’s ground game.
Player Performances
NC State’s quarterback CJ Bailey threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns, completing 76% of his passes despite being sacked five times. Bailey demonstrated resilience and efficiency under pressure. Among his receivers, Terrell Anderson led with four receptions totaling 65 yards, while Justin Joly caught six passes for 60 yards, contributing significantly to the Wolfpack’s aerial attack.
On defense, NC State allowed only 23 points, the fewest permitted against a Power Four opponent this season, showing defensive resilience despite the loss. Linebacker Caden Fordham led the team with 15 tackles, including one tackle for loss. Defensive ends Cian Slone and Sabastian Harsh combined for two sacks, applying pressure on Virginia Tech’s quarterback and disrupting their passing game.
Special teams also played a notable role. Punter Caden Noonkester delivered a strong performance, totaling 259 punting yards with an average of 51.8 yards per punt. His longest kick was 66 yards, just shy of his career best, marking only the third time in his career he had punted over 60 yards.
Virginia Tech’s Standout Performances
Virginia Tech’s offense was powered by Terion Stewart, who rushed for an impressive 174 yards on 15 carries, averaging 11.6 yards per rush. Stewart’s performance was a key factor in the Hokies’ offensive success. The Hokies scored first with a 39-yard field goal following a solid punt return, setting the tone early in the game.
NC State responded quickly, with Bailey connecting with Dante Daniels for a four-yard touchdown — Daniels’ first touchdown of the season. Virginia Tech regained the lead early in the second quarter with an 11-yard touchdown pass, and extended their advantage with a second field goal to end the first half, leading 13-7.
In the second half, NC State started strong, with Bailey passing a touchdown to Keenan Jackson, giving the Wolfpack a brief lead. Both teams exchanged touchdowns afterward, highlighted by Stewart’s electrifying 85-yard run that brought Virginia Tech back into the lead. The Hokies ultimately secured the game with a 49-yard field goal, taking the final lead at 23-21.
Series and Future Games
With this victory, Virginia Tech maintains their all-time series record against NC State, now 29 wins, 20 losses, and 4 ties. NC State’s next game is scheduled to take place at home against Campbell on October 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Summary
This game showcased the competitive nature of ACC football, with both teams battling intensely until the final seconds. While NC State fell short, the team demonstrated resilience and effort. The Wolfpack will look to bounce back in their upcoming match against Campbell, aiming to improve offensively and reestablish their ground game after their struggles this week.
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Additional Resources
- SI.com: NC State Men’s Basketball
- Wikipedia: NC State Wolfpack
- News & Observer: NC State Sports
- Google Search: NC State football 2025
- ABC11: Lenovo Center Renovations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina State University
- CBS17: NC State Wolfpack Football
- Google News: NC State Wolfpack
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
