Who are the Announcers for Wake Forest vs NC State ACC College Football Game?

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. NC State Wolfpack game on Thursday night is more than just another early-season clash; it’s a battle to remain unbeaten and make a solid impression as the ACC season begins. Wake Forest survived a close game against Kennesaw State to defeat Western Carolina 42–10, while NC State pulled off an incredible 35–31 comeback against Virginia. Both teams have gotten off to a great start. All eyes will be on the team that can manage the pace and secure its first major win in conference play. So, who are the announcers for this clash?

ESPN is making sure fans won’t miss a moment of the action, with Thursday night’s game all set to be called by Matt Barrie, Tom Luginbill, and Harry Lysles Jr. After more than 10 years with ESPN, Matt Barrie recently signed a new multi-year contract to continue doing what he loves, which includes anchoring SportsCenter, reporting on college football games, and lending his voice to TGL golf coverage. The top executives at ESPN are also extremely happy. “Matt’s passion and versatility make him such an asset to the team,” stated Dave Roberts, EVP of Sports News and Entertainment, and to be honest, it’s difficult to argue with that.

Joining Barrie is Tom Luginbill, who adds a whole new level of expertise by combining years of coaching and recruiting with his professional playing days. Before becoming one of the leading voices in college football recruiting, he played and coached in the AFL and NFL Europe after dominating at Palomar Junior College and Georgia Tech. His coaching mentality and insider knowledge make him stand out as ESPN’s primary analyst for ACC Primetime games.

Harry Lyles Jr. joins Barrie and Tom. He adds a new cultural perspective to complete the trio. From writing for ESPN.com to hosting Countdown to GameDay and reporting from the sidelines for Thursday Night Football with none other than Matt Barrie, he has been everywhere since joining ESPN in 2020. He has the unique ability to discuss sports while incorporating the narratives and culture that elevate college sports above mere statistics.

A classic rivalry between NC State and Wake Forest

The rivalry between Wake Forest and NC State is one of those timeless college football games that has been played annually since 1910! After Wisconsin vs. Minnesota, it is the second-longest continuous rivalry in Division I FBS and the longest in the ACC. In their 118 meetings, NC State has prevailed 69–43–6, but in recent years, the clash has been somewhat evenly contested. With a 13-12 record since 2000, NC State is just barely ahead, though both teams have experienced winning streaks.

Jake Dickert wants to keep the rivalry going because he believes it is one of the most significant things for the state and the ACC overall. He has stated that in order to maintain the matchups, “we have to preserve these games,” even if it means playing non-conference games. Also, he is aware that CJ Bailey, the quarterback for NC State, could be a serious threat. He poses a threat both on the ground and in the air, so Wake Forest’s defense will need to play at its highest level to contain him. Dickert, fully aware that Bailey’s athleticism could change the game, said, “Let’s get pressure on him, let’s keep him in the pocket.”

Coach Dave Doeren is thrilled with how his team is overcoming hardship, and NC State has been on a high after two comeback wins to start the season. When it came to making the right plays and maintaining calm, he commended his players. “It builds times,” he stated.  Doeren’s confident in his quarterback’s ability, calling him “an extension of the head coach.” With a disciplined game plan, no sacks allowed, and no turnovers, NC State appears ready to carry that momentum into their long-standing rivalry game against Wake Forest.