California vs NC State head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 9, Saturday, October 31, 2026.
The Breakdown
California's 64 composite tops NC State's 57, driven by a 4★ quarterback and 3.7★ receiver room.
When California has the ball: 3.7★ receivers hold a real edge on NC State's 3★ secondary; Adam Mohammed's 4★ presses 3.3★ linebackers.
When NC State has the ball: The 3.2★ O-line faces California's 3.5★ D-line averaging 3.5 years — slight edge to the Bears.
Swing factor: Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele's 4★ arm, one year in, versus CJ Bailey's 3★ and two years.
X-factor: Halloween Saturday, Week 9: California crosses the country into a hostile NC State home crowd.