SportSpyder - The Latest NC State Wolfpack Football Podcasts

IPS IN 5: Who Has The Best Chance To Hear Their Name Called?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:45:28 GMT

While NC State isn't expected to produce a high draft pick this year, a few standouts have a chance to be selected. Which Wolfpack player has the best chance to hear his name called on draft night?

IPS LIVE: Weekly Inside Pack Sports Podcast

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:54:09 GMT

Today we continue our weekly podcast with James Henderson and Rob McLamb where we talk NC State athletics, pro sports, and much more!

IPS IN 5: Is NC State An ACC Contender?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:48:35 GMT

Let's be clear: contending for the ACC and winning the ACC are two different things. But if a few key questions are answered this fall, NC State has enough talent and the type of schedule needed to put itself squarely in the mix.

IPS IN 5: Why Alpha Wolf Showcase Is More Than Just A Camp

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 03:11:01 GMT

On the surface, the Alpha Wolf Showcase looks like a one-day camp. In reality, it's one of the most important recruiting events of the summer for NC State. Today is a big day for Wolfpack football.

The One Stat That Decides NC State's Entire 2026 Season | Tuffy Talk

Tuffy Talk — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Send us Fan Mail

There's a number that explains almost every NC State football loss over the past two years, and it has nothing to do with talent, scheme, or who's lining up around him. Ethan Barry pulled it straight from his own Patreon breakdown: CJ Bailey is 10-1 in his career when he throws one interception or fewer. He's 3-10 when he throws multiple. Same quarterback. Same coaching staff. Completely different team.

Layton and Ethan dig into exactly which losses that gap accounts for, the three-interception Duke game, the uncompetitive Notre Dame and Miami showings, the 2024 Georgia Tech heartbreaker decided by a single point. They also revisit the seasons before Bailey, back to Devin Leary and the quarterback carousel years, and the pattern holds up every time: when NC State protects the football, it doesn't matter who's behind center. When it doesn't, nothing else matters either.

But this isn't just a look backward. Bailey is heading into a contract-year-sized spotlight in 2026 — bigger money, bigger expectations, and a receiving corps that lost Noah Rogers, Hollywood Smothers, and Justin Joly. Ethan makes the case for why the schedule actually sets Bailey up to succeed this time (no Clemson, no Miami, no Notre Dame on the slate), points to the Virginia Tech home loss as the one game last year he should have stolen and didn't, and closes by breaking down where he'd actually place a bet on Bailey's 2026 prop numbers — and it's not where you'd think.

Tuffy Talk is NC State's home for sports talk, hot takes, and everything Wolfpack. New episodes every Monday at 8:30 PM ET on YouTube. Join the Patreon at patreon.com/c/tuffytalk for exclusive weekly NC State breakdowns from Ethan — $5/month.

Support the show

IPS IN 5: 25+ Minutes On The NC State Men's Basketball Roster

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 01:36:51 GMT

NC State's roster could be complete with forward Shah Hall now committed, and today we're taking a look at a potential rotation, strengths, weaknesses, and much more!

Inside the Stanley Cup Parade — What It Means for NC State Too | Tuffy Talk

Tuffy Talk — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Send us Fan Mail

The Carolina Hurricanes are about to throw a parade twenty years in the making. Layton and Ethan open with the scale of it — over 100,000 fans expected in downtown Raleigh this Saturday, a city that's been partying nonstop since the Cup came home, and a fanbase that somehow manages to unite NC State, UNC, Duke, and Wake Forest fans under one roof at Lenovo Center. But this isn't really a hockey episode. It's an episode about why the Canes' championship run matters to the Wolfpack too.

It starts with a number. Rod Brind'Amour — now the first player-turned-coach to win a title with the same franchise since 1956 — wears 17 for Carolina. Philip Rivers wore 17 for NC State. Neither connection was planned, but as Layton puts it, numbers have a funny way of working themselves out. From there, the episode digs into Justin Gainey's full-circle moment — the same man who scored the first basket ever in what's now Lenovo Center back in the late 90s is the one who rang the ceremonial siren before Game 1 of the Canes' first-round series, and is now NC State's head coach in that very building.

Then the story turns to Carter-Finley Stadium, where the Canes hosted a Stadium Series outdoor game against Washington in 2023 — complete with the NC State marching band, Mr. and Mrs. Wolf, and Wolf hands thrown up mid-celebration. Ethan calls it one of the best live sporting events he's ever attended. Just days later, the Frozen Finley college hockey game drew over 25,000 fans, completely overwhelming the merchandise table.

The episode closes on the practical stuff that actually matters for NC State's future — the $300 million Lenovo Center renovation now accelerating because of the Cup run, the $1 billion of development planned around the arena, and why playing home games in a real professional arena has quietly been one of NC State basketball's best recruiting tools for years. And finally, the big debate: would an NC State men's basketball national championship draw a parade anywhere close to the size of what the Canes are getting this weekend? Ethan isn't so sure — but he'd love to find out.

Support the show

IPS TAKE: Shah Hall's Commitment Decision

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:47:33 GMT

from Shelton State CC forward Shah Hall, the roster moving forward, and much more!

DEFINED SUCCESS? Can Justin Gainey make March Madness in Year 1? Can Dave Doeren Win 9+ Games?

Locked On Podcast Network — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT

NC State Wolfpack fans set high bars for Justin Gainey and Dave Doeren, as expectations heat up for basketball and football. How do we define their success in 2026?

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Rugiet

Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl

Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONCSWolfpack?sid=YouTube

Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege

#Wolfpack #NCState #NCStateFootball #NCAA

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

IPS IN 5: Major Changes On The Way For College Baseball?

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 02:38:04 GMT

A proposal was announced on Thursday of drastic changes to the MLB Draft which, if implemented, would have a trick down effect on the college game. Today we're discussing the potential rules and impact!

IPS IN 5: Making Sense Of The Hunt For A Reserve Big Man

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:16:39 GMT

NC State continues to pursue multiple depth options at the five position and today we discuss what that role could potentially look like for the Wolfpack this season.

IPS LIVE: The Elliott Avent Podcast

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:31:50 GMT

Today we're discussing the tenure of former NC State head coach Elliott Avent and much more!

IPS LIVE: Weekly Inside Pack Sports Podcast

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:43:08 GMT

Today we begin our weekly podcast with James Henderson and Rob McLamb where we talk sports, NC State, and much more! In this episode we discuss Rob graduating from Harvard, the New York Knicks, Elliott Avent, and more!

TOP 10? What are the 10 BEST MOMENTS for the NC State Wolfpack in the last 10 YEARS?

Locked On Podcast Network — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 01:10:00 GMT

Today is the 10th Anniversary of the Locked On Podcast Network! A lot happened in the last 10 years. Especially for NC State. What are the Top 10 Wolfpack moments?

Everydayer Club

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Rugiet

Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl

Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

IPS IN 5: What's The Most Dangerous Game On The Schedule?

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 20:00:32 GMT

NC State's football schedule is considered favorable this upcoming season but that doesn't mean there aren't a few matchups that are more dangerous than they may seem. Today we're discussing a couple of those games!

NC State vs LSU Will Wade Investigation + Chris Hart Report Card — Tuffy Talk Live

Tuffy Talk — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Send us Fan Mail

It's Monday night and Tuffy Talk Live opens with breaking news before the show even hits its second segment, Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby and the university mutually part ways, ending the gambling injunction saga that had college football holding its breath for two weeks. Layton, Greg, and Ethan react in real time. Greg calls the NCAA "punked." Ethan says it feels like a PR move driven by Big 12 pressure. Layton ties it directly to the Will Wade situation, because if you want to talk about ethics in college athletics, you can't do it without talking about both.

Then the Will Wade investigation. NC State is not letting this go quietly. The timeline is damning, LSU's season ended March 11, Wade resigned March 25, he was introduced at LSU March 26, and the buyout was set to drop from $5 million to $3 million on April 1. NC State Vice Chancellor Allison Newhart wrote that the school has reason to suspect LSU influenced efforts to avoid or delay notice of Wade's recruitment to save money on the buyout. LSU responded by asking NC State to sign a legal waiver. NC State refused. Wade's response to all of it? "They're pretty mad for a coach they didn't think was very good." Ethan calls it a Captain Obvious situation. Greg says you hold people accountable. And the conversation turns to the real question, does NC State have a case, and what are they actually going after?

Then the new Report Card segment debuts, and Layton, Greg, and Ethan grade every one of Chris Hart's moves in his first two weeks as head coach. First up is a name we hadn't heard before, Mississippi State catcher Andrew Raymond, who chose NC State over multiple SEC schools specifically because of the program's catcher development history. All-Rookie A-10 as a freshman at George Mason before transferring to Mississippi State. Greg and Ethan both land at B-plus. Then Hunter Warren gets an A, Ethan makes the case that Warren has been better than Luke Nixon in Year 1 and Year 2 comparisons. Chet Lax gets a B-minus from Ethan, not a reflection on Lax himself but on where he slots in a rotation that still needs more arms. Jesse Gutierrez gets a B, Greg hears from a former San Jose State teammate that Gutierrez sits 89 to 91 as a starter and bumps to 92-93 out of the bullpen. McCall Biemiller gets a C from Ethan and an incomplete from Greg — 13 career innings is simply not enough data. Taylor Black as recruiting coordinator gets an A-minus from both, Ethan notes he stepped into exactly the job Hart vacated, the Florida pipeline stays open, and Bo Robinson and JT Jarrett keep their roles without having to be promoted past where they belong.

Then NC State basketball, JUCO center Shah Hall official visit breakdown, the Auburn frontcourt target situation, and whether state even needs Hall if the roster fills out elsewhere. Jacob Burns and Amir Moore football commits, Greg says he can't get excited about three-star recruits even though he respects what they represent. Ethan ties it back to the bigger picture, you find your star players through the high school ranks and use the portal for depth, not the other way around. And the ACC power rankings debate, On3's Andy Staples has NC State 10th. Greg says 7 or 8. Ethan says Virginia is the most overrated team on the list and breaks down exactly why their nine-win season last year was smoke and mirrors. Plus shoutouts to Ty Head as a Gold Glove finalist and Rett Johnson earning Perfect Game second-team freshman All-American honors.

Tuffy Talk is NC State's home for sports talk, hot takes, and everything Wolfpack. New episodes every Monday at 8:30 PM ET on YouTube. Join the Patreon at patreon.com/cw/ncstatestats for exclusive weekly NC State breakdowns from Ethan — $5/month. 🐺🎙️

Support the show

IPS IN 5: An Early Emphasis On Defense

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:06:36 GMT

NC State has started summer basketball workouts and it seems like there is already a real focus on defense. Today we're discussing Wolfpack basketball and why defense just might determine the upside of this year's team.

TRENDING: NC State Basketball receiving positive news for Gainey's Program?

Locked On Podcast Network — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 01:45:00 GMT

The majority of Justin Gainey's Year 1 squad has now arrived on campus, and potential final pieces are pending. Positive momentum heading into the Summer?

Photo: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Everydayer Club

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Rugiet

Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl

Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

IPS IN 5: Eight Returning Starters Isn't A Problem

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:16:02 GMT

Years ago, having only eight returning starters would have set off alarm bells across the fan base. Roster turnover is no longer the exception—it's the expectation, and today we're discussing those returning starters for NC State.

IPS IN 5: The Football Transfer Nobody Is Talking About

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 13:49:38 GMT

Not every important addition arrives with hype and headlines. In fact, one of NC State's most significant transfer pickups this offseason may have flown completely under the radar.

Chet Lax Interview — NC State's Newest LHP on Dominating Georgia & Tennessee | Tuffy Talk

Tuffy Talk — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Send us Fan Mail

NC State baseball's first transfer portal pitcher, Wright State LHP Chet Lax, joins Tuffy Talk for his first interview as a Wolfpack. Before Chet Lax ever set foot in Raleigh, he was already making the case for himself, seven shutout innings against Tennessee in a 6-0 Wright State win, and one run allowed in four innings against Georgia, a team that went to the College World Series. That's the arm Chris Hart made his first pitcher commit in the NC State baseball transfer portal.

Layton sits down with Chet to talk through the full story. How NC State found him in the transfer portal through his Wright State coach who played at NC State. What his time at Wright State actually looked like, the highs, the rough stretches early in his career, and how stepping up when Sunday starter Warren Hartzell went down with an injury changed everything. What it felt like to toe the rubber at Tennessee knowing his family was in the stands. And what sold him on NC State the moment he stepped on campus and spent a full day with Coach Hart and Clint Chrysler.

Chet also opens up about his roommate and fellow NC State baseball commit Hunter Warren, three years as roommates, two years as First Team All-Horizon League teammates, and now both heading to Raleigh together. He talks about his summer on the Cape Cod League with the Harwich Mariners, what he's working on before fall ball, why his mound mentality is his greatest strength as a pitcher, and his personal goals for the 2027 NC State baseball season.

Then the rapid fire, favorite pitch to throw, strikeout looking or swinging, cookout tray order, favorite baseball movie (Million Dollar Arm — a first for this show), cheat meal of choice, what sport he'd play if it wasn't baseball (rodeo — his grandfather rode bulls at UT Martin), and the one thing Wolfpack fans should know about him before he arrives.

Tuffy Talk is NC State's home for sports talk, hot takes, and everything Wolfpack. New content dropping all summer. Subscribe on YouTube and join the Patreon at patreon.com/cw/ncstatestats for exclusive weekly NC State breakdowns from Ethan — $5/month. 🐺🎙️

Support the show

IPS IN 5: NC State Close To Finalizing The Roster?

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 14:00:27 GMT

NC State is set to host JUCO big man Shah Hall this weekend, and today we're discussing his recruitment, Emeka Opurum's status, the roster, and more!

OPTIONS? NC State Basketball to host a Big Man this Weekend - Roster Clarity?

Locked On Podcast Network — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:20:00 GMT

It's been quiet for NC State Basketball... a little too quiet. That may change this weekend however, as Justin Gainey is hosting a JUCO Center. Moves coming?

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Wayfair

Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.

Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is Gainey's Year 1 Schedule an A+? NC State Basketball Full Non-Conference Breakdown | Tuffy Talk

Tuffy Talk — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Send us Fan Mail

Justin Gainey is building one of the most interesting non-conference schedules in NC State basketball history, and Layton and Ethan are grading every game we know so far.

They start with the marquee matchup. Tennessee at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on December 6. Twenty thousand seats. Rick Barnes on the other sideline. Gainey coaching against his mentor for the first time as a head coach. Ethan gives it an A-plus and makes the case that a win there would carry the same name recognition weight as beating Duke or UNC. Layton grades it slightly lower and explains why the mentor versus mentee spotlight, the unproven roster, and Tennessee's loaded portal additions all factor in.

Then the Baha Mar Bahamas Championship, Wisconsin and Seton Hall confirmed, fourth team still unknown. Ethan lands at a B-minus. Two potential Quad 1 opportunities but too many unknowns to go higher. The Maui comparison comes up, and Ethan makes a point about the travel distance that most fans haven't considered.

South Carolina at home for the ACC/SEC Challenge on December 1 gets a C. You should win it but you won't get much resume credit for it. Bart Torvik currently has South Carolina projected 89th in the country, and if that holds, this might not even be a Quad 2 game. Ethan doesn't love the quads system. He says so clearly.

Ole Miss in Biloxi, Mississippi gets a B. Layton grades it a B. Ethan goes A-minus on the full two-year series. Then Ethan drops a fact that reframes the whole conversation Biloxi is five hours from Oxford. This isn't really a neutral site game.

Then VCU on the road. Ethan's grade might be the most interesting take in the entire episode.

Then the full ACC road schedule. No home games against Duke or UNC. Duke, Georgia Tech, Miami, UNC, Stanford, Virginia, and Virginia Tech all as road games. Is this the toughest away ACC schedule NC State has had in recent memory? And does a road-heavy schedule actually help the NCAA Tournament resume more than it hurts it?

Ethan closes with the overall non-conference grade, and his bold prediction on whether Gainey's Year 1 team is a tournament team. He doesn't think it's close.

Support the show

IPS IN 5: Checking In On Wolfpack Baseball

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:02:26 GMT

NC State has added multiple commitments this week as well as a new assistant to Chris Hart's staff, and today we're discussing it all!