zimmytws / Shutterstock.com
NC State landed a commitment Monday from quarterback Gunner Rivers – the son of program legend Philip Rivers – according to 247Sports. The four-star prospect ranks as the No. 42 overall recruit in the 2027 class.
He’s one of the 20 highest-rated commitments in Wolfpack history.
Rivers plays at Fairhope (Ala.) St. Michael, where his father coaches. He’s been connected to NC State since last season when he visited for the Wolfpack’s 42-19 win over North Carolina during the final week of the regular season. Dave Doeren offered him a scholarship back in May 2024 – getting an early jump on his recruitment after Rivers put together a strong freshman campaign.
The commitment comes nearly a year before the 2027 class’ National Signing Day, but it’s not exactly shocking. While Rivers held offers from Auburn, Boston College, Miami and South Carolina, his family ties to the program made NC State tough to beat. His father spent four years in Raleigh and became one of the most successful quarterbacks in school history before going on to a lengthy NFL career.
Rivers earned the starting job as a freshman and hasn’t slowed down since. This past season, he completed 237 of 343 passes for 3,176 yards and 46 touchdowns with just five interceptions. He also added 196 yards and a score on the ground.
He’s yet to throw for fewer than 3,000 yards in a season.
That production helped St. Michael reach the state 4A semifinals for the second straight year with a 13-1 record. Rivers earned an ASWA Super All-State selection and was a finalist for 4A Back of the Year honors.
Andrew Ivins, 247Sports’ director of scouting, evaluated Rivers last week and called him a “skilled passer with elite pedigree that has a chance to be a high-end distributor in college and beyond.” The scouting report notes Rivers has a “shot put-like release” – similar to his father – and shows excellent touch on his throws.
Rivers is the No. 6-ranked quarterback in his class. He’s got a chance to push for five-star status during his senior year of high school.
Whereas most commits in the 2027 class won’t arrive on campus until fall 2027, Rivers could find himself in position to compete for the starting job immediately. Current starter CJ Bailey has two years of eligibility remaining, but there’s a chance he could leave early for the NFL Draft.
That would potentially open the door for Rivers to contribute as a true freshman – continuing the family legacy in Raleigh.
