Packed recruiting intel: Updates on Jonathan Paylor, Gus Ritchey and more

NC State wrapped up its Alpha Wolf Showcase Friday night with a dinner in the luxury boxes of Carter-Finely Stadium. The Wolfpack’s premier summer recruiting event included appearances from more than 20 priority prospects.

Jonathan Paylor moved up his decision date, Josh Alexander-Felton hinted that news could be on the way and Gus Ritchey shared that he is almost ready to make a decision. Here are some updates on their recruitments and more.

Four-star wide receiver Jonathan Paylor

Paylor moved up his decision date to Aug. 4, a one-day adjustment to accommodate some logistics at Burlington (NC) Cummings High. Other than sharing that change of plans, the elite wide receiver kept things pretty quiet. He said each of his top five schools are still in play, and he will still visit UNC Saturday.

During his interview, Paylor said he does not have his mind made up and does not anticipate knowing until the day of or the day before his announcement. Everything I heard this week still indicates that NC State is in a good spot, but there could always be twists and turns as we approach the decision date.

Offensive coordinator Robert Anae has clearly taken a personal role in his recruitment and walked the receiver through what his role would be on the field during Friday’s camp camp. He showed him routes he would run as an inside receiver, how he could be used in the option game and more. That continues to resonate with Paylor.

Three-star tight end Gus Ritchey

Ritchey shared the surprise of the night when he told reporters that he feels ready to made a decision. The top priority tight end prospect spent a ton of quality time with Anae on and off the field. Friday’s visit helped him feel comfortable enough him to move up his decision timeline.

“I think today made things a lot easier,” Ritchey said.

The priority tight end said he is down to three schools— NC State, UNC and Maryland. He will talk things over with his family this weekend and plans on making a decision Monday or Tuesday. Ritchey’s mother visited today as well, and the tight end said she loved it.

Three-star defensive lineman Josh Alexander-Felton

Alexander-Felton’s official visit went really well earlier this summer, and Friday’s trip to campus reaffirmed those positive feelings. He is really close with defensive line coach Charley Wiles now, and there is still a lot of positive buzz around his recruitment behind the scenes. Aug. 5 is the date to watch for the defensive lineman.

Three-star linebacker Jacorey Stewart

Jacorey Stewart enjoyed his first trip to NC State. He emphasized that he is still committed to Kansas but is interested in the Wolfpack. NC State will host him on an official visit in November for the UNC game, which has been the plan for weeks. The linebacker arrived at the Murphy Center with his family early, so he received even more quality time with defensive coordinator Tony Gibson and the rest of the staff.

Three-star wide receiver Jimmar Boston

Jimmar Boston is a new name on the NC State recruiting board after picking up an offer Friday, but he has been hearing from the Wolfpack since the spring. The Wolfpack already established a spot in the receiver’s top five, but he wants to take his time with a decision. Virginia Tech has also offered the rising senior.

Wide receiver Franklin Baret Jr.

Franklin Baret Jr. loves NC State, and he made that very clear Friday. The local Wake Forest High star enjoyed the visit, and his communication with the Pack remains positive. NC State’s staff remained really honest with him. They plan on evaluating him into the fall.

Wide receivers coach Joker Phillips and head coach Dave Doeren plan on attending one of his early games in the fall, Baret said. Old Dominion, Toledo and Miami (OH) are a few other schools involved in his recruitment right now.

Quarterback Jacob Smith

Jacob Smith, a rising sophomore NC State baseball commit, is really fond of the football program as well. He made it to campus early and continued to grow his bond with quarterbacks coach Kurt Roper. Even though he said his options are open with football, the signal-caller shared it is his goal to play both sports at NC State. Pack baseball head coach Elliot Avent was around for most of the day to help recruit.

Interior offensive lineman Miles Funderburk

NC State is interested in Miles Funderburk at center right now. The class of 2026 lineman has visited Raleigh a few times this year and really likes the program. If NC State extends an offer, the Pack would likely be a top contender later in his recruitment. Funderburk said offensive line coach Garett Tujague wants evaluate him this fall, possibly playing some center.

Offensive tackle Leo Delaney

Leo Delaney is going to be one of the top class of 2026 tackles in the country. That is becoming clear quite quickly. He enjoyed his return trip to NC State Friday and said he will try to make it back to campus for a game this fall.

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