NC State secures commitment from towering offensive lineman Jacob Burns

NC State wrapped up a recruiting push for offensive line help with a commitment from Jacob Burns on Thursday, a prospect the Wolfpack pursued as it sought to build depth and size along the trenches. Burns, listed at 6-foot-7 and 295 pounds, pledged his future to coach Dave Doeren and the Wolfpack, ending a recruitment that had momentum from several conference programs.

According to the report, NC State “made its move” last weekend and then closed the deal a few days later, turning a competitive recruiting race into a completed commitment. Burns’ commitment gives the Wolfpack a new offensive lineman prospect entering the next cycle, with the coaching staff focused on developing reliable protection and run-blocking profiles in the ACC.

Burns’ decision also comes after a recruitment that included significant pushes from other schools in the region. The report notes that Virginia Tech and North Carolina were both serious contenders, while the late surge from South Carolina added urgency to the final days of the process. For NC State, that kind of multi-school competition typically indicates a prospect who drew attention for both physical traits and camp-to-film evaluation.

Physically, Burns fits a profile that often matters for Power Four offensive lines: length to manage pass protection angles, and a frame that can support continued strength gains. At 6-foot-7 and 295 pounds, he arrives with the size to compete for space at the line of scrimmage, a trait that can translate into more flexible roles as he develops whether that is at guard or tackle depending on scheme needs.

The report characterizes Burns as a three-star prospect. In recruiting terms, that designation usually reflects that the player has a clear foundation in high school production or athletic testing, while also leaving room for further refinement at the college level. For NC State, the value is not only adding numbers, but also landing a player who can grow into a consistent contributor as the program’s recruiting pipeline continues to compete with other ACC and nearby schools.

For the other programs involved, the outcome reinforces how quickly offensive line recruiting can turn once a school makes a focused push. Virginia Tech and North Carolina’s reported involvement underscores that NC State was not simply working against lesser interest. South Carolina’s late surge suggests Burns had multiple pathways and that his final choice required a clear sell on fit and trajectory.

What to watch next is how NC State’s staff integrates Burns into its recruiting and development plans. College offensive line class building typically depends on the mix of immediate depth needs and longer-term development, and a single commitment can reshape priorities for the remaining recruiting targets at the position. Over the coming weeks, the Wolfpack’s next scholarship offers and commitments will offer a clearer picture of whether the program is targeting more interior linemen, additional tackle options, or a specific skill-set to complement Burns.