RALEIGH — With NC State speeding toward the end of its spring practice session, head coach Dave Doeren enjoyed a very different vibe around the practice fields in 2026 when compared to last spring. With both coordinators retained and veteran players, both returned and added from the portal, dotting the roster, the Wolfpack is in a much different place than it was a year ago. However, there were major concerns about a few different position groups after massive changes due to exhausted eligibility and players leaving for different schools. The Wolfpack added 20 new transfers , as well as a host of freshmen who could see action in their first year. Luckily for Doeren, two of the more urgent position groups are pleasantly surprising him thus far. What are they? The linebackers NC State linebacker Raul "Popo" Aguirre prepares for spring practice with the Wolfpack in March 2026. | Photo Credit: @lRaulAguirre on X Key losses: Caden Fordham (Eligibility), Sean Brown (Eligibility), Kenny Soares Jr.…