What Is 1959 NC State Wolfpack football team

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1959 NC State Wolfpack football team represented North Carolina State University during the 1959 NCAA University Division football season, finishing with a 5–5 record under head coach Earle Edwards.

Key Facts

The 1959 NC State Wolfpack had a final record of 5 wins and 5 losses
Head coach Earle Edwards led the team during his 7th season at NC State
They competed in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and finished 3–3 in conference play
The team played its home games at Riddick Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina
Quarterback Roman Gabriel, a future NFL star, was a key player on the 1959 roster

Overview

The 1959 NC State Wolfpack football team represented North Carolina State University in the NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the team was led by head coach Earle Edwards, who was in his seventh year at the helm.

The Wolfpack finished the season with a balanced 5–5 overall record and a 3–3 mark in conference play. Despite not achieving a winning season, the team featured emerging talent, including future All-American quarterback Roman Gabriel, who began to solidify his legacy.

Season Record: The team ended with a 5–5 overall record, marking a slight improvement from previous years but falling short of a winning mark.
ACC Performance: They posted a 3–3 record in Atlantic Coast Conference play, placing them in the middle of the conference standings.
Head Coach: Earle Edwards, in his seventh season, continued building the program with an emphasis on disciplined, fundamental football.
Home Stadium: All home games were played at Riddick Stadium, a 20,000-seat venue in Raleigh that served as the team’s home from 1914 to 1965.
Key Player: Junior quarterback Roman Gabriel emerged as a standout, throwing for over 900 yards and showcasing the leadership that would earn him All-American honors in later years.

How It Works

The 1959 season reflected the structure and competitive framework of college football during the late 1950s, including scheduling, conference alignment, and player development. Each component of the team’s operation was shaped by NCAA rules and ACC regulations.

Season Structure: The team played a 10-game schedule, common for the era, balancing non-conference and ACC opponents to build strength and visibility.
Coaching System: Earle Edwards utilized a pro-style offensive system emphasizing ball control, which helped develop future NFL talent like Gabriel.
Recruiting Pipeline: NC State relied heavily on in-state talent, with many players hailing from North Carolina high schools and junior colleges.
Player Eligibility: NCAA rules at the time allowed three seasons of varsity play, meaning many athletes like Gabriel had limited eligibility windows.
Game Preparation: Teams practiced daily with film study and playbook drills, though technology was limited compared to modern standards.
Conference Play: The ACC required rigorous scheduling; NC State faced powerhouses like Clemson and Duke, which tested their competitive depth.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1959 NC State Wolfpack compared to other ACC teams and recent seasons:

Team	Overall Record	ACC Record	Head Coach	Key Player
NC State (1959)	5–5	3–3	Earle Edwards	Roman Gabriel
Clemson (1959)	7–3	4–2	Frank Howard	Joe Wells
Duke (1959)	6–4	4–2	William D. Murray	Don McCauley
Maryland (1959)	6–4	4–2	Thomas Nugent	Charlie Milstead
NC State (1958)	4–6	3–3	Earle Edwards	Roman Gabriel

The table illustrates that while NC State improved from their 4–6 record in 1958, they still trailed behind top ACC teams like Clemson and Duke. Their .500 record reflected a program in transition, building toward greater success in the 1960s. Roman Gabriel’s development was a bright spot, foreshadowing future achievements.

Why It Matters

The 1959 season holds historical significance for NC State football as a developmental year that laid the foundation for future competitiveness. Though not a championship season, it marked progress under consistent leadership and emerging talent.

Program Growth: The 5–5 record showed improvement from 1958, indicating positive momentum under coach Earle Edwards.
Player Development: Roman Gabriel’s performance signaled the arrival of a franchise-caliber quarterback who would lead the team to greater heights.
ACC Relevance: A .500 conference record kept NC State competitive within the ACC, maintaining their standing among regional rivals.
Recruiting Boost: Strong individual performances helped attract better recruits in subsequent years, especially from North Carolina.
Historical Context: The 1959 season occurred during a formative era of college football, before widespread television and scholarship expansions.
Legacy Building: This season contributed to the long-term identity of NC State football, eventually leading to a 1973 ACC Championship.

The 1959 NC State Wolfpack may not be remembered for trophies, but it was a crucial step in the evolution of a program that would gain national recognition in the decades to come.