Duke vs NC State head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 10, Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The Breakdown
Duke 58, NC State 57 — a coin flip. Every position battle sits inside 0.3★.
When Duke has the ball: Nate Sheppard, one year in, runs at NC State's 3.3★ linebackers averaging 3.3 years. Biggest mismatch here.
When NC State has the ball: 3.3★ receivers, led by 4★ Jojo Trader, hold a slim edge on Duke's 3.0★ secondary.
Swing factor: Walker Eget, 3★ with three years, transferred in; CJ Bailey is 3★ with two. Experience tilts Duke.
X-factor: Week 10 Saturday in Raleigh, November. NC State's home crowd is the only real separator.