NC State vs North Carolina head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 13, Saturday, November 28, 2026.
The Breakdown
Coin flip: North Carolina 58, NC State 57. Chapel Hill's 3.5★ secondary is the only real separator.
When NC State has the ball: A 3.2★ offensive line holds a slight edge on North Carolina's 2.8★ D-line, which counters with 3.3 years.
When North Carolina has the ball: 3.3★ receivers hold a slim edge on NC State's 3.0★ secondary; Demon June faces 3.3★, 3.3-year linebackers.
Swing factor: Same 3★ QBs: Billy Edwards Jr's three years versus CJ Bailey's two. Edwards arrived via portal.
X-factor: Chapel Hill hosts the late-November Saturday rivalry finale; home crowd tilts a matchup this evenly matched.