In a significant development for college football, linebacker Raul Aguirre has officially transferred from the Miami Hurricanes to NC State. This move, facilitated through the NCAA transfer portal, sees Aguirre joining the Wolfpack after a productive three-season tenure with Miami. His arrival is poised to strengthen NC State's defense, especially in light of Kenny Soares' departure.
Raul Aguirre's Journey to NC State
Former Miami Hurricanes linebacker Raul Aguirre has made a notable switch to NC State through the NCAA transfer portal. His three years at Miami were marked by consistent performance, culminating in a standout 2025 season where he recorded 43 tackles and a pass deflection across 16 games. Aguirre's journey began as a freshman in 2023, primarily serving as a defensive reserve and special teams player. He steadily increased his impact, becoming a key member of the linebacker rotation in 2024 with 27 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. His impressive contributions continued into 2025, solidifying his reputation as a formidable player.
Aguirre's commitment to NC State comes at a crucial time for the team, providing a much-needed boost to their defensive unit. Hailing from Fayetteville, Georgia, Aguirre was highly regarded as a four-star prospect in the 2023 class, ranking as the No. 24 linebacker nationally. His consistent development and on-field success demonstrate his potential to become an integral part of NC State's defense. The Wolfpack anticipates that Aguirre's talent and experience will significantly enhance their competitive edge in the upcoming seasons, offering a robust presence in the linebacker corps.
Impact of Aguirre's Arrival and Soares' Departure
Raul Aguirre's transfer to NC State is particularly impactful as it helps to mitigate the loss of Kenny Soares, another key linebacker who has departed for Michigan State. Soares, who spent three seasons at Northwestern before joining NC State for the 2025 campaign, had an outstanding season with the Wolfpack, tallying 80 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks. His move to Michigan State creates a void that Aguirre is expected to fill, ensuring continuity in the team's defensive strength.
Soares' career progression saw him make significant contributions, especially during his time at Northwestern and his single season with NC State. His departure underscores the dynamic nature of the transfer portal, where teams constantly adapt to player movements. Aguirre's arrival is therefore seen as a strategic acquisition, providing the Wolfpack with a talented replacement who has already demonstrated his capabilities at a high level of collegiate competition. NC State aims to maintain a strong defensive presence, and Aguirre's commitment is a crucial step in achieving that goal by integrating a player with a proven track record into their roster.