NC State football is on a mission to transform Carter-Finley Stadium into a little slice of Miami—and it’s not just a metaphor. With an already impressive roster of players from the Miami area, the Wolfpack is doubling down on its South Florida connections, and it’s sparking some serious conversations in the college football world. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this strategic move a game-changer or a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
The Wolfpack’s current lineup reads like a who’s who of Miami talent, featuring returning quarterback CJ Bailey, wide receiver Teddy Hoffmann, offensive lineman Rico Jackson, running back Deandre Desinor, and tight end Preston Douglas. But they didn’t stop there. Through the transfer portal, NC State has added standout players like Davion Gause, Chance Robinson, and King Mack. At present, the team boasts 12 players from the Greater Miami area and four more from other parts of Florida. Yet, the Pack’s appetite for Sunshine State talent seems far from satisfied.
As first reported by Pack Power 247, NC State is setting its sights on Miami wide receiver transfer Joshisa 'Jojo' Trader. And this is the part most people miss: Trader was high school teammates with CJ Bailey, adding a layer of familiarity that could make this transfer a seamless fit. Despite efforts to bring Trader to campus for an official visit this weekend, inclement weather derailed those plans. However, the Wolfpack is expected to host him later this week, though a date remains unconfirmed. It’s worth noting that Trader is a hot commodity, drawing interest from multiple schools, so NC State faces stiff competition.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 180 pounds, Trader hauled in 13 receptions for 178 yards and one touchdown last season for the Hurricanes. Ranked as the No. 70 overall player and 14th-ranked receiver in the 2024 recruiting cycle, he has two years of eligibility left, making him a valuable addition for any program.
But the Pack’s recruiting efforts didn’t stop with Trader. Late Saturday night, another name emerged: former Miami linebacker Raul 'Popo' Aguirre. The older brother of Wolfpack freshman safety Markel 'Chino' Aguirre, Popo is exploring new opportunities, and NC State is eager to bring him in for an official visit later this week. Popo has been a standout for the Hurricanes over the past two seasons, racking up 70 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one pass deflection, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, he was ranked as the No. 204 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: NC State has a pressing need at inside linebacker with Caden Fordham and Kenny Soares no longer on the roster. Aguirre’s impressive 86.3 run-stopping grade from Pro Football Focus—the highest among Miami linebackers in 2025—makes him a potentially massive addition for the Pack’s defense in his final year of eligibility. But is relying heavily on transfers a sustainable strategy, or could it disrupt team chemistry? We’ll let you decide.
Pack Power 247 will keep you updated on both recruitments throughout the week, so stay tuned. If you’re not already a Pack Power VIP subscriber, now’s the time to join. You’ll get exclusive access to insights from R. Cory Smith, Michael Clark, and the entire NC State team, plus coverage of all things Wolfpack. And don’t forget to sign up for our FREE text alerts to stay on top of breaking news, from commitments to coaching changes.
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So, what do you think? Is NC State’s Miami pipeline a stroke of genius or a risky play? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
