NC State football players don’t choose to wear the #1 jersey. It’s a number that is given to players.
Ever since 2014, Wolfpack Head Coach Dave Doeren has awarded the #1 to an individual player on an annual basis.
As Doeren has stated previously, the #1 jersey is awarded to a player that “exhibits an elite work ethic and practice and training habits, while also leading his teammates. This player doesn’t just uphold the standards. He pushes them higher.”
Today it was announced that Redshirt Senior Linebacker Caden Fordham will be wearing the #1 jersey in 2025 for the Wolfpack.