The optimism that comes with a new football season is easy to find at NC State, but offensive coordinator Kurt Roper believes the Wolfpack's biggest offseason gains won't be measured until players put on the pads and begin competing.
As fall camp gets underway, Roper said the focus is on identifying strengths, refining the offense and determining which players are ready to take the next step.
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"It's always good to get started," Roper said. "It's the anticipation of the season. You go out there and compete, and get back with the guys on the field and learn who and what is what. You know what we can do and who needs to do it."
One of the most noticeable areas of improvement has come at quarterback. Roper said CJ Bailey has matured well beyond learning the playbook, showing a much better understanding of how defenses operate before the snap.
"His level of understanding of what the defenses are trying to do... has just grown enormously," Roper said. "To really play good football, you've got to understand what the other side is doing."
That growth extends throughout the quarterback room. While Will Wilson has always possessed the arm talent, Roper said his command of the offense has taken a significant step forward during the offseason.
"His understanding of what we're doing systematically is growing," Roper said. "His understanding of concepts, of reads, of coverages, and just experience now being in the system—you just see him ascending in the right way."
The Wolfpack is also counting on a revamped tight end group to become a larger part of the offense. Roper described the position as one that demands versatility, with players expected to contribute as blockers, pass protectors and receivers.
Beyond individual development, Roper believes the team's biggest offseason accomplishment has been embracing the physical identity that has become a hallmark of Dave Doeren's program.
"This game will always be a physical game," Roper said. "Coach Doeren's mentality is this is going to be a tough football team. That's one thing that we're going to do is be physical and compete and fight to the last second of the clock. To go practice on this field or play on this team, you've got to be tough."
As preseason practices continue, NC State will spend the coming weeks sorting out positions and building chemistry. But if Roper's early assessment is any indication, the Wolfpack enters the season with a deeper understanding of its system and a renewed commitment to the toughness it hopes will define its success in 2026.