#nc_state

Liberty Twilight Qualifier Set for Wednesday as Track Team Concludes Regular Season Liberty University’s track and field team will host its final regular-season meet of the 2026 outdoor campaign on Wednesday at the newly resurfaced Matthes-Hopkins Track Complex. The Liberty Twilight Qualifier will serve as a key opportunity for the Flames’ 23 seniors to compete at their home facility before the NCAA Division I East First Rounds meet. The event will feature athletes from 28 colleges and universities, including teams from Duke, NC State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Hampton, High Point, and Radford. The meet will begin at 11 a.m. with the women’s discus, women’s long jump, and lower-seeded sections of the men’s pole vault. A senior recognition ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m., followed by running events starting at 1:55 p.m. Live results will be available through Blue Ridge Timing, and weather conditions are expected to include mid-70s temperatures, rain, thunderstorms, and a southwest breeze that will provide a tailwind for sprints and hurdles. The senior ceremony will honor 23 athletes, including 11 Lady Flames and 12 Flames. Notable participants include Rebecca Allen, Emily Atha, Patasha Bryan, Meredith Engle, Paige Greenhagel, Mahogany Mobley, Jessica Palisca, Stephanie Robson, Isabela Ross, Katrina Schlenker, Katie Sigerud, Sean Aiken, Beau Backes, Josh Blalock, Hunter Bleam, Jack Cottrell, Christian Hicks, Isaiah Idore, Nicholas Kiprotich, Brendan Pitcher, Ben Shughart, Ethan Stansbury, and Gabriel Willis. The event will also provide a final chance for athletes to qualify for the NCAA East First Rounds meet, which will be held May 27-30 in Lexington, Ky. The top 48 competitors in each event at the end of the season will earn a spot in the NCAA meet.#duke #virginia #nc_state #liberty_university #mattheshopkins_track_complex

Will Wade back to LSU: Ex-Tigers coach returning after one season at NC State Will Wade is set to return to LSU as head coach after one season at NC State, according to CBS Sports. The Tigers have been actively pursuing their former coach following NC State’s NCAA Tournament exit, aiming to reinvigorate the program by bringing back the last coach to lead LSU to a postseason appearance. LSU is expected to part ways with current head coach Matt McMahon on Thursday. Wade, who previously coached LSU from 2018 to 2022, is anticipated to be formally introduced as the Tigers’ new coach later in the week. Wade’s departure from NC State comes after a season marked by challenges, including a first-round NCAA Tournament loss to Texas. Despite his initial dismissal of LSU rumors, the move appears inevitable as LSU seeks to capitalize on his track record. During his tenure at LSU, Wade guided the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances in five seasons, though one season was canceled due to the 2020 pandemic. His return to Baton Rouge follows a contentious exit from LSU in 2022, when the program faced NCAA allegations tied to alleged rule violations during his five-year tenure. The buyout terms for Wade’s contract with NC State are significant: $5 million remains due, but the figure drops to $3 million after April 1. With the college basketball transfer portal opening in early April, Wade’s focus will shift to reshaping LSU’s roster. The Tigers’ current roster includes several returning players, such as Michael Nwoko, Jalen Reed, and Dedan Thomas, who averaged 15.3 points and 6.5 assists as a junior before sustaining an injury. However, key contributors like Max Mckinnon and Marquel Sutton will not be available for Wade’s next season.#lsu #nc_state #will_wade #matt_mcmahon #heath_schroyer

But I’m not ready for another coaching search As I’m writing this on Wednesday morning, signs are pointing rather strongly at Will Wade leaving NC State for LSU, a possibility that has been simmering behind the scenes for a while but didn’t feel real until Tuesday. Wade’s buyout, which is already low, drops to a paltry $3 million at the beginning of April, which is nothing for a big SEC school, not even a big SEC school that just spent a bundle on a football staff. The low buyout in Wade’s contract was obviously a mistake on NC State’s part but also beside the point if he’s that intent on getting back to LSU, and if he’s really leaving, then I don’t know how else you explain it other than that he just really wants to be there. NC State was going to step up and pay him more with a new contract this offseason, and I just can’t imagine there’d be that much difference between that and what LSU is willing to offer. The NIL funds might be a different story, but again, I’m not sure there’s a huge difference. This whole thing has been strange in that all of the discussion about it has been on the local level on both sides, with nothing at all from national media members. LSU hasn’t said anything about the status of its still-sitting head coach, and their season has been over for two weeks, and that alone probably tells us all we need to know. The portal opens in a couple of weeks, so one way or another, this needs to be resolved very soon. Will Wade is taking the LSU job, per reports Zam Jones, Mallory Collier enter transfer portal Pack blow lead in 7-2 loss to Camels Campbell comes to town for Tuesday showdown Offseason of tough questions ahead for NC State Pack9 drops from Top 10 following series loss at FSU Getting the conversation ready...#lsu #nc_state #transfer_portal #will_wade #zam_jones

Offseason of Tough Questions Ahead for NC State NC State concluded its basketball season with a disappointing performance, marked by struggles against top-tier competition. The Wolfpack faced 15 games against teams ranked in the Torvik top-50 and lost 10 of them, including six by double digits. This outcome has raised significant concerns about the program’s trajectory, as it deviates from recent success where the team had consistently finished in the top 10 nationally. The team’s current roster lacks seniors, which could theoretically allow for continuity, but financial constraints and strategic considerations complicate plans to retain the existing group. Coach Wes Moore acknowledged the challenges, expressing frustration over the season’s results. He emphasized the need for introspection, stating that the program must reassess its approach to return to its former standards. Moore admitted responsibility for the team’s performance, citing the pressure placed on its core players due to a lack of depth. A critical issue highlighted is the team’s inability to contribute from the bench, which forced its top four players to carry the load nightly. When key performers like Tilda Trygger struggled, the team’s overall effectiveness declined. Moore faces the challenge of building a deeper roster by identifying reliable role players. Additionally, the team’s lack of perimeter scoring—ranking 291st in three-point attempt rate—has been a glaring weakness. Against top-50 opponents, their three-point shooting efficiency dropped below 27%, further complicating their offensive strategy. The program also needs to address its perimeter size and overall toughness. Moore’s approach will likely hinge on whether Trygger can regain her form and whether she and Khamil Pierre can coexist effectively.#nc_state #wes_moore #tilda_trygger #khamil_pierre #torvik

NC State Basketball Hoop Scoop: Intel on Will Wade's Start to the Basketball Offseason NC State men’s basketball faces a significant overhaul as it prepares for the 2026-27 offseason. The team will need to make substantial changes to its roster, as nearly its entire starting lineup will become ineligible due to graduation and the conclusion of their college eligibility. Additionally, several key players are expected to transfer to other programs where they can pursue greater opportunities. This reality underscores the challenges of maintaining competitiveness in college athletics, a situation Will Wade and his coaching staff are well aware of as they plan for the upcoming season. The Wolfpack’s current roster is set to undergo a dramatic transformation, with multiple starters departing after their final seasons. This loss of talent will require Wade to rebuild the program from the ground up, focusing on recruiting and developing younger players. The coaching staff will need to prioritize identifying high-impact recruits who can step into leadership roles and contribute immediately. Wade’s experience in navigating roster transitions will be critical as he works to stabilize the program during this transitional phase. Beyond the roster changes, the offseason will also involve strategic decisions about the team’s long-term direction. Wade’s approach to player development, team culture, and competitive positioning will shape the next chapter for NC State basketball. The coaching staff will likely emphasize fundamentals, leadership, and adaptability to prepare for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, other developments within the program include Hayden Hidlay’s return as an assistant coach for the wrestling team.#acc #nc_state #will_wade #basketball #recruiting

Lady Vols Basketball Stays Committed to Full-Court Press in NCAA Tournament Under head coach Kim Caldwell, the Lady Vols basketball team has relied heavily on a full-court press strategy throughout the season. The approach involves constant trapping, jump passes, and aggressive transition play to disrupt opponents and create turnovers. However, this year, the system has occasionally led to turnovers and missed opportunities due to miscommunication and overextension. Despite these challenges, the Lady Vols remain steadfast in their commitment to the press, especially as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament. Star forward Janiah Barker emphasized the importance of maintaining the system, noting that it serves as both a defensive and offensive catalyst. “Sometimes our press is our defense and our offense,” Barker said. “It’s what fuels us, what gets us going. When we’re having fun, getting steals and layups easily, that’s what really gives us energy and boosts our confidence. If we get beat in the press, we lose our confidence. So we need to stay fully committed to it and accept it as our identity.” Caldwell, however, has expressed frustration with the team’s execution of the press in recent games. Tennessee has struggled with consistency, losing seven of its last eight contests and 10 of its past 12 appearances heading into March Madness. The issue isn’t confined to a single aspect of the strategy; instead, the team has faced problems with cohesion. Caldwell noted that players sometimes abandon the system mid-game, leading to a loss of identity. “We haven’t been pressing with a purpose,” she said. “We need to get back to flying around, guarding, and having an identity. We weren’t guarding in a press, in a half-court, and we weren’t doing much of anything.#ncaa_tournament #nc_state #lady_vols #kim_caldwell #janiah_barker

Lady Vols Freshmen Aim to Make Noise in March Madness Rematch Against NC State The Lady Vols’ freshman class, still finding their footing in college basketball, faced a mix of nerves and excitement as they awaited their NCAA Tournament seeding on Selection Sunday. Mya Pauldo described the moment as a “ball of nerves,” while Deniya Prawl felt detached, watching projections of Tennessee as a No. 8 seed and other teams fill the seed line. Despite the uncertainty, the freshmen were determined to make their mark. Tennessee, seeded No. 10, wasn’t in danger of missing the tournament for the first time in program history, but the young players were unsure what to expect from their first Selection Sunday. Jaida Civil called the experience “crazy,” admitting she didn’t fully grasp the significance at first. However, seeing their names called and continuing the legacy of the program brought a sense of pride. The nerves quickly turned to excitement when the Lady Vols learned their first-round matchup: a rematch against No. 7 seed NC State at the Crisler Center on March 20. A win would set up a potential second-round clash with either No. 2 seed Michigan or No. 15 seed Holy Cross. The Lady Vols (16-13) have a history with the Wolfpack, having lost their season opener 80-77 on Nov. 4. Coach Kim Caldwell emphasized the need to prove themselves, and the players echoed that sentiment. Civil expressed a strong desire to revisit the game, hoping to correct their earlier performance. She grinned when acknowledging the extra motivation behind the rematch. “I feel like that’s going to be the one to bring us back to where we were with our winning streak,” Mia Pauldo said. “I think the NCAA knew what they were doing with that one.” Pauldo added, “I was super surprised and I’m not going to lie, I like it, because we get to get our get back.#nc_state #lady_vols #mya_pauldo #deniya_prawl #jaida_civil

Path to Phoenix: Local women’s teams take on tournament field The women’s NCAA Tournament will once again feature North Carolina as a central hub, with Duke and UNC hosting the first and second rounds. NC State and High Point, other local teams, will face challenges on the road this weekend as they navigate their paths to the Final Four in Phoenix. Each team’s journey promises historic matchups, opportunities for upsets, and a mix of familiar foes and new threats. Here’s a breakdown of their potential routes to the national championship. Duke, seeded third in the Sacramento 2 bracket, will face No. 14 Charleston in the second round. The Blue Devils aim to avenge a season-opening loss to Baylor, which ended with a 58-52 result. Taliah Scott’s 24-point performance and Duke’s 29% shooting from the floor were key factors in that defeat. If Duke advances, they could rematch LSU, which dominated them in the ACC/SEC Challenge with a 31-point second quarter. A deeper run might bring a showdown with UCLA, the tournament’s top seed, which handed Duke its worst loss of the season (89-59). Without star center Lauren Betts, UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez and Charlisse Leger-Walker combined for 43 points. If Duke continues its payback mission, they could face a formidable Final Four group including No. 1 Texas, No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 Louisville, or No. 4 West Virginia. UNC, seeded fourth in the Fort Worth 1 bracket, will open against No. 13 Western Illinois. A win would set up a potential clash with No. 5 Maryland or No. 12 Murray State. The Tar Heels’ path intensifies in the Sweet 16, where they could face UConn, the tournament’s No. 1 seed. UConn, led by Sarah Strong (18.5 PPG) and Azzi Fudd (17.7 PPG), has dominated its recent games, winning six straight by at least 30 points. If UNC beats UConn, they might face No. 2 Vanderbilt, No. 3 Ohio State, or No.#duke #high_point #uconn #nc_state #unc

2026 NCAA Tournament Picks: Predictions for Every March Madness First-Round Game The NCAA Tournament’s first-round games are set to begin, and analysts have provided detailed breakdowns of how each matchup might unfold. These predictions focus on team strengths, defensive strategies, and individual player impacts to project outcomes. The First Four games kick off Tuesday, with several high-profile matchups expected to shape the bracket. In the No. 16 UMBC vs. No. 16 Howard matchup, Howard’s defensive versatility gives it an edge. The team’s switchable wing defenders, including Bryce Harris and Alex Cotton, could neutralize UMBC’s star guard DJ Armstrong. While UMBC has the best player on the floor, Howard’s cohesive defense is projected to secure the win. The No. 11 Texas vs. No. 11 NC State game highlights contrasting styles. Texas’ drop coverage is expected to challenge NC State’s shooters, but the Wolfpack’s recent performance against Texas in November suggests they could find ways to counter. Despite Texas’ slight edge in recent matchups, NC State’s balanced attack and shooting efficiency make it the favored team. Lehigh’s dominance over Prairie View hinges on the presence of Nasir Whitlock, a key player who could tilt the game in favor of the Leopards. Similarly, SMU’s depth and defensive adjustments, particularly against Miami (Ohio)’s Eian Elmer, are seen as critical factors. SMU’s ability to control the paint and limit turnovers is expected to give it the upper hand. The No. 1 Duke vs. No. 16 Siena game is a mismatch in terms of size and talent. Duke’s seven-man rotation, featuring players like Cayden Boozer and Paolo Banchero, overwhelms Siena’s roster. Despite Siena’s individual talent, Duke’s physicality and depth make it a near-impossible matchup for the mid-major squad. Ohio State’s matchup against No.#texas #ncaa_tournament #umbc #nc_state #howard

Most Probable First-Round Upsets in 2026 NCAA Tournament The 2025 men’s NCAA tournament saw only five double-digit seeds advance in the first round, with two of them being 10-seeds, which are not classified as Giant Killers. The Elite Eight was the most predictable in history, featuring all top-three seeds, and the Final Four had only two 1-seeds. Despite this, March Madness remains defined by upsets, and analysts are now identifying potential candidates for this year’s tournament. Using ESPN’s BPI projections, the Giant Killer model highlights matchups with the highest upset probabilities. However, it’s important to note that probability does not guarantee outcomes, and the likelihood of multiple upsets this season is low. NCAA tournament betting lines are at record highs, and the model gives no team seeded 11th or lower a 40% chance of winning in the first round. Only one No. 12 seed, the perennial upset pick, has a 20% chance to advance. The model also indicates that last year had more high-probability upsets, with four matchups exceeding 40% and eight above 25%. For those looking to differentiate their brackets, here are the most likely candidates for upsets. The matchup between (11) VCU and (6) North Carolina has a 39% chance of an upset. North Carolina’s performance has been impacted by the absence of star freshman Caleb Wilson, who is out for the season due to a broken thumb. Without Wilson, the Tar Heels’ efficiency numbers dropped, particularly on the offensive glass and in 2-point field goal percentages. VCU, however, has been dominant, winning 16 of its past 17 games. The Rams’ balanced attack and aggressive playstyle, combined with their eight regular rotation players hitting at least 18 3-pointers this season, make them a formidable opponent. Another high-probability matchup is (11) NC State vs.#north_carolina #ncaa_tournament #byu #vcu #nc_state