NC State linebacker Caden Fordham has announced his return for the 2025 season, providing a significant boost to the team’s defense. On Saturday afternoon, Fordham officially re-signed with the Savage Wolves NIL program, solidifying his commitment.
A rising redshirt senior, Fordham became a key leader among NC State’s young linebackers in the 2024 season. Despite an injury-shortened campaign, he recorded 48 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, two pass deflections, and a fumble recovery in just six games before a knee injury in practice sidelined him. Over his career, Fordham has played 35 games, amassing 109 tackles and eight tackles for loss.
Fordham joins fellow defensive standouts Brandon Cisse and Sean Brown in returning for 2025, along with offensive stars CJ Bailey and Hollywood Smothers. His leadership and experience are expected to be critical for NC State’s defense next season.
Fordham’s football journey began at the Bolles School in Ponte Vedra, Florida, where he excelled as both a linebacker and running back. During his high school career, he racked up 292 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and seven interceptions. As a senior, he tallied 112 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and one interception, also contributing 170 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 27 carries.
Fordham’s performance earned him a scholarship offer from NC State in June 2019, and he committed to the Wolfpack a year later, choosing them over offers from several Power Five programs, including Florida State, Miami, and Colorado. A four-star prospect, he was ranked 32nd nationally among linebackers and 38th in Florida by 247Sports.
