NC State to Host Campbell in Season Opener

The November 2 game marks the debut of new North Carolina State head coach Justin Gainey.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball

NC State to Host Campbell in Season Opener

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North Carolina State hosts Campbell in Raleigh on November 2, 2026, to kick off the new basketball season. This game also serves as the first regular-season contest for newly appointed head coach Justin Gainey.

Why it matters

The matchup provides a first look at how North Carolina State and Campbell integrate new rosters following significant offseason personnel changes. Both programs are looking to establish early momentum as they face expectations within their respective conferences.

North Carolina State enters the game coming off exhibition victories against Mississippi State and Lenoir-Rhyne. Campbell faces a rebuilding year with zero returning players from the 2025-26 roster.

The players

Justin Gainey

He is the newly appointed head coach of the North Carolina State basketball team and a former player for the program.

Jimmie Williams

He is the first-year head coach at Campbell University who previously coached at Anderson University.

The details

Coach Justin Gainey, a former North Carolina State point guard from 1996 to 2000, takes charge of a Wolfpack team bolstered by several transfers. Campbell head coach Jimmie Williams arrives with four players who followed him from Anderson University.

Justin Gainey played for North Carolina State from 1996 to 2000.
North Carolina State defeated Mississippi State on October 18, 2026.
North Carolina State defeated Lenoir-Rhyne on October 24, 2026.
North Carolina State hosts Campbell on November 2, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This season opener serves as a benchmark for NC State as it navigates the competitive 18-team ACC. The performance will signal how quickly the new roster can adapt to high-level conference play compared to their projected eighth-place finish.

The game provides the first data point on the chemistry of North Carolina State's new transfer-heavy lineup. Fans should monitor player rotation minutes to see how the team replaces production lost from the previous season.

The takeaway

Both teams are working to integrate new personnel as they begin their respective conference campaigns. Coaching debuts and full-roster turnover create significant unknowns for both the Wolfpack and the Camels.