NC State football Jordan Houston no longer on Wolfpack roster: What does it mean?

NC State football running back Jordan Houston will redshirt the remainder of the 2023 season and may transfer in 2024.

NC State football running back Jordan Houston will not be playing for the remainder of the 2023 season, as announced by the program on Thursday. This news was shared on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, where it was revealed that Houston will be redshirting. Additionally, he is on track to graduate and may potentially enter the transfer portal as a graduate student in 2024.

The Wolfpack football account expressed their well wishes for Houston, stating, "We wish him all the best." As of Thursday afternoon, Houston's name is no longer listed on NC State football's online roster.

This announcement comes just before NC State's ACC opener against Virginia, where they will be traveling to face a struggling Virginia team that is currently 0-3. Interestingly, Houston was listed on the depth chart as a potential starter for this week before the news of his redshirt.

Houston, who was named the Wolfpack's Offensive Back of the Year in 2022, entered the season as the team's top returning running back. He had an impressive 544 rushing yards last season.

However, NC State's quarterback Brennan Armstrong has emerged as the team's leading rusher this season, with 37 carries for 161 yards and three touchdowns. The rotation of Wolfpack running backs has also seen a shift in recent weeks, with players like Michael Allen, Kendrick Raphael, and Delbert Mimms III seeing increased playing time.

In the first three games of the season, Houston had 25 carries for 96 yards. After a solid performance in the season opener against UConn, where he had 13 carries for 57 yards, Houston's numbers decreased in subsequent games against Notre Dame and VMI, with a combined 12 carries for 39 yards.

On the other hand, players like Allen, Raphael, and Mimms have stepped up during this time. Allen has showcased his versatility as State's best all-around back, with 11 carries for 81 yards and six receptions for 61 yards. Mimms has excelled in goal-to-go situations, recording 19 carries for 64 yards and three touchdowns. Raphael had a breakout performance in the Wolfpack's victory against VMI, accumulating 85 yards on 16 carries.

In conclusion, the absence of Jordan Houston will undoubtedly impact NC State's running back rotation. However, the team has shown depth and potential in other players who have stepped up in recent weeks. As they face Virginia in their ACC opener, it will be interesting to see how the Wolfpack's offense adapts and performs without Houston in the lineup.

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