Pitt enters Week 9 with a 5-2 overall record and 3-1 in the ACC. After back-to-back road wins over Florida State and Syracuse, Pitt is in position to compete for an Acc title berth down the stretch. This week they take on NC State (4-3) that is near the bottom of the ACC. With plenty of injury concerns, Pitt will need to play a great game to come out with a victory. Let’s dive in to this 2025 Pitt vs. NC State preview.
Pitt Panthers vs. NC State Wolfpack: Matchup History
Pitt and NC State have only played 10 times, and only twice since the Panthers joined the ACC in 2013. Overall Pitt is 5-4-1 but 0-2 in the two conference games. In their most recent matchup, NC State walked in to face undefeated No. 24 ranked Pitt on the road in 2020 and upset them 30-29.
Like Louisville, Pitt will be playing NC State much more often since there are no longer divisions in the ACC.
Pitt vs. NC State 2025 Preview: Keys to the Game and Predictions
Key Players for Pitt
Pitt has multiple key players with their status in question for Saturday. Star linebackers Kyle Louis and Raheem Biles are both dealing with injuries they sustained last week against Syracuse. If they are both out, expect freshman Cam Lindsay to get the start.
On the bright side for Pitt, both quarterback Mason Heintschel and running back Desmond Reid are off the injury report. Heintschel injured his shoulder last week, and Reid was on the injury report for the past two weeks even though he has played.
Running back Ja’Kyrian Turner has emerged as another option out of the backfield along with Reid and freshman Juelz Goff. On the season, Turner has 53 carries for 222 yards and four touchdowns, also adding eight receptions for 70 yards. Lately Pitt has been establishing the run game early. They have controlled the time of possession because of Reid, Turner, and Goff.
Wide receiver Blue Hicks has been quiet lately with the recent breakout of Kenny Johnson. Yet when Hicks is involved, it gives the offense an added element in the deep passing game. Look for Kade Bell to scheme up a couple deep balls for Hicks early to catch NC State napping.
Key Players for NC State
The Wolfpack offense is led by sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey. Bailey is a true pocket passer which is rare to find in college today. He has thrown for over 1800 yards on the year with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Pitt’s pass defense has been suspect at times this year, so Bailey will be looking to exploit that on Saturday. If Pitt is stopping the run like they usually do, expect Bailey to throw the ball 35+ times, especially if Pitt’s two stars at linebacker are out.
Speaking of, linebacker Caden Fordham leads NC State in tackles with 30. Fordham also has two sacks on the year. He will be tasked with stopping Pitt’s ground attack. The Wolfpack are giving up 176 rushing yards per game. Fordham should be all over the field for NC State on Saturday.
Game Prediction
Vegas has the spread for this game with Pitt at -6.5 favorites. This could change based on the injuries to Kyle Louis and Raheem Biles. If both are out, expect a close game that goes down to the wire. This matchup could turn in to a shootout quickly if the offenses are working early.
However, if Pitt establishes their rushing attack, they should win for their third week in a row. Their running back trio can likely rush for nearly 200 rushing yards, helping Pitt win a close game. NC State’s offense will keep it close, but Pitt should lead for most of the action.
Score Prediction: Pitt 31, NC State 27
Discover more from The League Winners
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Jacob Murray
Jacob is a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh and an avid sports fan. He graduated from Norwin High School in 2023 and recently joined The League Winners in June of 2025. He is a beat writer covering the Pitt Panthers. Follow Jacob on X (formerly known as Twitter) @jacob23murray