Gunner Rivers Chooses NC State, Following Dad’s Legacy

A four‑star quarterback from Fairhope, Alabama, Gunner Rivers has decided to play for NC State, echoing his father Philip Rivers’ 2000 commitment. He turned down offers from Auburn, Georgia, Miami, Boston College and others to join the Wolf Pack. Gunner’s high school career was stellar: in his junior year he completed 208 of 290 passes (72%) for 2, 813 yards, threw 44 touchdowns and only five interceptions. His team finished 13‑1 and reached the state title game against Jackson.Standing 6 ft 3, weighing 200 lb, he is ranked nationally as the 117th overall prospect and 12th best quarterback by Rivals, a composite of major recruiting services. In Alabama he is the fourth‑best player in his class. NC State’s head coach Dave Doeren now has four early commitments for the 2027 cycle, including safety Kamarion Johnson, tight end Griffin Cockerham and running back Christian Freeman. The addition of Rivers could spark a recruiting surge for the program, which last year signed its 46th‑ranked class.