Wolfpack Warriors Uniforms Honor Military Tradition and LITTLE KNOWN HISTORY Behind NC State’s Belltower

NC State unveiled its new “Wolfpack Warriors” uniforms, which the Wolfpack will wear in its home opener against Richmond on Friday, September 11th.

Yesterday, NC State announced a new strategic partnership with The US Army. Today, we reveal a new uniform, which honors the proud military tradition of our university and our state.

Wolfpack Warriors, dropping 9/11

: https://t.co/8rb9EEGHo1 | @adidasFballUS pic.twitter.com/ksnfmcTXNP

— NC State Football (@PackFootball) August 13, 2026

The black-and-gray camouflage uniforms aren’t simply another alternate uniform combo.

Fittingly being worn on September 11th, the uniforms are designed to honor NC State’s longstanding connection to the United States military, a relationship that stretches all the way back to the university’s founding.

Military Training Was Part of NC State From the Beginning

Did you know that NC State, originally known as the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, was founded in 1887 under the federal Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1862.

The Morrill Act provided federal land to states for the establishment of public colleges focused on agriculture, mechanical arts, and military tactics.

When classes began at NC State in 1889, military training was part of the college experience for male students.

In 1894, the university formally established a Department of Military Science.

Male students at NC State were required to participate in military training and drills until 1965, when ROTC participation became voluntary.

The Belltower Is a Military Memorial

Arguably the most recognizable landmark on NC State’s campus (and a part of our logo) is the Belltower.

But did you know the Belltower’s real name? Memorial Tower.

Following World War I, NC State alumni wanted to create a permanent tribute to the students and graduates who had lost their lives in the war.

A Memorial Committee was formed, and in 1920, it settled on the idea of constructing a tall bell tower reminiscent of the towers at West Point. Its design would incorporate military imagery, including battle swords, shields, and American eagles.

The cornerstone was laid in 1921.

Construction proceeded in stages and was delayed by both the Great Depression and World War II. With assistance from the federal Works Progress Administration, the tower’s stonework was completed in 1937.

Memorial Tower was formally dedicated on November 11th, 1949.

At its base is the Shrine Room, which includes a large bronze plaque bearing the names of NC State alumni who died in World War I.

While the tower was originally constructed to honor those who died in World War I, it has grown to serve as a broader memorial to NC State students and alumni who have given their lives in military service.

That’s the history the Wolfpack Warriors uniforms are tapping into.

NC State’s Military Connection Continues Today

NC State’s relationship with the military didn’t end when ROTC became voluntary.

The university continues to operate Army, Air Force and Navy/Marine Corps ROTC programs.

NC State’s Army ROTC program has commissioned approximately 2,500 Army officers, including numerous officers who have risen to the flag-officer ranks.

The Air Force ROTC program has achieved a 100% selection rate for officer positions while also providing aviation opportunities for future military leaders.

NC State also operates the largest Naval ROTC program in North Carolina.

That relationship continues to grow. Earlier this week, NC State and the United States Army announced a new strategic partnership focused on expanding collaboration in areas such as innovation and workforce development.

The agreement builds upon the university’s longstanding relationship with the military while creating additional opportunities for NC State and the Army to work together on practical solutions benefiting both North Carolina and the country.

The Seven Stars Have a Meaning

The Wolfpack Warriors uniforms also include a subtle tribute to North Carolina’s significant military presence.

On the back collar are seven stars.

Those stars represent seven major military installations located throughout North Carolina:

• Fort Liberty
• Camp Lejeune
• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
• Marine Corps Air Station New River
• Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
• Pope Army Airfield
• Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City

It’s a small detail, but one that connects the uniforms not only to NC State’s military heritage, but to the state of North Carolina’s broader relationship with the Armed Forces.

More Than an Alternate Uniform

Alternate uniforms have become commonplace in college football.

Some are throwbacks. Some celebrate a school’s location or history, and some just look cool.

NC State’s Wolfpack Warriors uniforms have a much deeper story behind them.

Military education was woven into NC State from its earliest days. The most recognizable structure on campus was built as a memorial to Wolfpack alumni who gave their lives in service.

And now, on September 11th, NC State will carry some of that history onto the field at Carter-Finley Stadium.