Gunner Rivers, son of Philip, commits to NC State, bolstering 2027 recruiting class

Gunner Rivers, a four-star quarterback and son of NC State legend Philip Rivers, has committed to play for the NC State Wolfpack.

Why it matters: This commitment not only strengthens the Wolfpack's recruiting class but also connects the current program with its storied past.

  • Gunner is ranked as the No. 11 pocket passer and No. 142 overall prospect in the 2027 recruiting cycle by ESPN.
  • His decision is particularly significant given his father’s legacy at NC State, where Philip Rivers enjoyed a stellar career before transitioning to the NFL.

What’s new: Rivers' commitment highlights a trend of successful legacies impacting college football recruiting.

  • The 6-foot-3, 200-pound junior at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama threw for an impressive 2,813 yards, 44 touchdowns, and just five interceptions last season.
  • Other schools such as Auburn, Boston College, Miami, and South Carolina had expressed interest, making NC State’s success in securing him noteworthy.

By the numbers: Gunner’s statistics are compelling and indicative of his potential at the collegiate level.

  • Last season, he threw for 2,813 yards, achieving an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio of 8.8:1.
  • Philip Rivers holds numerous records for NC State, including career passing yards of 13,848, which rank him first among both NC State and ACC quarterbacks and 13th on the NCAA's all-time list.

Between the lines: The emotional significance of this commitment extends beyond football stats.

  • Philip Rivers was a four-year starter for the Wolfpack from 2000 to 2003 and was named the ACC Offensive Player of the Year in 2003.
  • Having a player like Gunner, who embodies the same passion for the game, could inspire future generations within the program.

What’s next: As Gunner Rivers prepares for his collegiate career, eyes will be on his development and how he can further elevate the NC State program.

  • He is currently the only top-300 pledge among three members of NC State's 2027 recruiting class, emphasizing the importance of his role moving forward.
  • Fans will be eager to see how the coaching staff incorporates his skill set into their offensive scheme, likely adapting elements that made Philip Rivers successful at NC State.

The bottom line: Gunner Rivers’ commitment is a substantial win for NC State, reinforcing the connection between the past and present while adding a dynamic talent to their future roster. With his strong pedigree and proven performance, expectations will undoubtedly be high as he steps into the spotlight.

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