NC State Cornerbacks Emerge as Defensive Pillars in 2025 Turnaround Season

The NC State Wolfpack closed their 2025 campaign with an 8-5 record. They secured a 31-7 victory over Memphis in the Gasparilla Bowl. This win snapped a multi-year bowl losing streak for the program. It capped a resilient second-half surge for the team.Despite a secondary ravaged by injuries, the cornerback unit remained a constant strength. Their consistent performance provided crucial stability. This was vital for the Wolfpack’s late-season push to a winning record.

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The workload shouldered by the top cornerbacks was immense. Senior Devon Marshall led the group, playing 706 total snaps. Redshirt sophomore Brian Nelson II and redshirt junior Jackson Vick followed closely with 637 and 632 snaps, respectively.Senior Jamel Johnson also logged 458 snaps in a significant role. This four-player core was tasked with covering the opposition’s best receivers all season. Their durability was tested weekly in a tough ACC schedule.

Devon Marshall’s All-ACC Caliber Season Leads Stout Unit

The performance of the NC State cornerbacks was a bright spot. Senior Devon Marshall was arguably the team’s best defender. He delivered a dominant performance against Florida State with two interceptions and six pass breakups.According to Pro Football Focus, Marshall finished with a stellar 90.1 grade. He was the highest-graded defender on the entire roster. His ability to shut down one side of the field simplified the defense’s weekly game plan.While Marshall excelled, the rest of the group had mixed results. Brian Nelson II showed promise but surrendered several big plays in a tough three-game stretch. Jamel Johnson provided reliable, physical coverage on the opposite boundary.A notable area for improvement is creating turnovers. Marshall had the unit’s only interceptions from a cornerback spot. The Wolfpack’s overall pass defense generated just nine takeaways through the air this past season.

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The solid foundation built by the 2025 NC State cornerbacks was essential for the team’s success. Their ability to withstand injuries and consistently compete kept the Wolfpack in games. This unit’s growth sets a new standard for the secondary moving forward.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Who was NC State’s top-rated cornerback in 2025?

Senior Devon Marshall was the standout. He earned a 90.1 grade from Pro Football Focus and delivered a signature game with two interceptions against Florida State.

How many interceptions did the cornerbacks have?

Devon Marshall recorded the only interceptions by a cornerback. The rest of the unit did not record a pick, highlighting an area for the defense to improve next season.

Will the cornerback group look different in 2026?

Yes. Starters Devon Marshall and Jamel Johnson have exhausted their eligibility. This opens competition for younger players to step into starting roles next fall.

How did Jackson Vick fit into the secondary?

Vick played a versatile nickel role. He often functioned as a slot cornerback, providing crucial coverage in passing situations throughout the year.

Why was this unit’s performance so important?

With significant injuries at safety, reliable cornerback play was critical. Their ability to handle heavy snap counts and match up with receivers allowed the defensive scheme to function.

Trusted Sources: Pro Football Focus (PFF) data, official NC State Athletics statistics, game film analysis.