NC State football announces 2026 Ring of Honor inductee. Who’s getting in
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Joe Thuney will join NC State football Ring of Honor in 2026.
- Thuney earned All-America and First Team All‑ACC honors, anchoring the offensive line.
- School cites Thuney’s athletic and academic success for recognition.
A former N.C. State offensive lineman will be inducted into the program’s Ring of Honor this fall.
All-American offensive lineman Joe Thuney will become the latest Wolfpack alumnus to be permanently recognized at Carter-Finley Stadium.
“Joe was the true definition of a team player during his time at NC State,” Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren said in a statement. “He was willing to start wherever he was needed, and he excelled at each position.”
Recent Ring of Honor inductees include Payton Wilson, Bill Cowher and Bradley Chubb for their outstanding contributions to the program.
Doeren said Thuney, now with the Chicago Bears, established the program standard for offensive linemen, crediting the alumnus as a reason six former N.C. State players are on NFL rosters.
Thuney earned All-America honors as a senior in 2015, becoming the first N.C. State offensive lineman to earn the distinction since Jim Ritcher in 1979. He also earned First Team All-ACC honors that season. Thuney played every snap against ACC opponents and didn’t allow a sack from left tackle; he appeared in 40 games and made 32 starts, playing at tackle and guard.
Thuney earned his undergraduate degree in accounting/financial analysis before his junior year and was a two-time First Team Academic All-ACC honors. He was an ACC Academic Honor Roll recipient in all four years.
The Centreville, Ohio, native was a finalist for the Campbell Trophy, which recognizes academic achievement, community service and athletic performance.
“Joe Thuney was not only an excellent player for the Wolfpack, but he was an outstanding and dedicated student,” N.C. State Athletic Director Boo Corrigan said in a statement. “We are so proud of all that he’s accomplished during his NFL career and excited to have him enshrined beside other Wolfpack greats in Carter-Finley Stadium.”
Thuney was a third-round NFL Draft pick and started his career with the New England Patriots, becoming the first player in league history to start in a Super Bowl in his first three seasons. He then went on to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021.
He won two titles with the Patriots and two with the Chiefs. Thuney was traded to the Chicago Bears last year and was the NFL’s inaugural Protector of the Year honoree.
In 11 years as a pro, Thuney also earned All-Pro recognition three times and played in the Pro Bowl four times.
Since leaving N.C. State, Thuney also earned his MBA. His official induction ceremony will be announced after the NFL releases its 2026-27 schedule.
This story was originally published April 7, 2026 at 3:41 PM with the headline "NC State football announces 2026 Ring of Honor inductee. Who’s getting in."
