NC State's football team is set to maintain its strong defensive reputation with key returning players, including graduate defensive end Davin Vann, who has consistently excelled in pass rushing. The Wolfpack will also rely on junior defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland and redshirt junior linebacker Sean Brown to bolster their defensive lineup. Meanwhile, Nebraska has named freshman Dylan Raiola as their starting quarterback, signaling a new era for the team, as he aims to lead the offense against UTEP. Raiola's emergence comes amid high hopes for Nebraska's season, with a mix of talented underclassmen and experienced seniors bolstering the roster. However, concerns about quarterback depth and special teams performance remain as the Huskers prepare for their opener. UTEP's new head coach, Scotty Walden, is focusing on building a strong defensive culture while preparing to face Nebraska's dynamic offense led by Raiola.