The college basketball world is buzzing with anticipation as Ken Pomeroy’s preseason rankings for 2026 have officially dropped, and NC State is making waves at No. 38—a staggering leap from their No. 125 finish in 2025. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this ranking places them fifth in the ACC, trailing only behind powerhouses like Duke, Louisville, Clemson, and UNC. And this is the part most people miss—Clemson and UNC are also hovering in the 30s, so the gap isn’t as wide as you might think. KenPom predicts NC State will boast both a top-40 offense and defense, projecting a 19-10 overall record (11-7 in conference play), excluding the undetermined Maui games. But is this ranking too optimistic, or does NC State truly have what it takes to climb the ACC ladder?
Interestingly, NC State’s No. 38 spot aligns closely with their T-Rank (No. 39), though Bart Torvik’s system paints a slightly different picture—favoring their offense but questioning their defensive prowess. Meanwhile, Evan Miya’s ratings place NC State even higher at No. 27, edging out UNC by a single spot. Could this be the year NC State surprises everyone, or are these rankings setting them up for a fall? Let’s dive into the numbers and debate—what do you think? Are these projections spot-on, or is there a wildcard factor we’re all overlooking? Share your thoughts below!
