BREAKING: Top Priority Electrifying RB Commits To NC State Over Other High Profile Teams
In back-to-back recruiting cycles, NC State secured a commitment from its top running back prospect. Kentrell Rinehart, a three-star rising senior from Columbus (Ohio) Westland High, announced his decision to join the Wolfpack’s 2025 class, opting for NC State over Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, and other programs. Rinehart quietly committed to NC State during his official visit on June 21-23 and made his choice public nearly two weeks later.
A year prior, the coaching staff successfully recruited top-rated running back Duke Scott, who elevated his status and enrolled at NC State as a four-star recruit. Rinehart is on a similar path, standing at 6-2 and 200 pounds. According to the On3 Industry Rankings, he is ranked as the 35th best running back nationally and the 459th best prospect overall, with two recruiting services already designating him as a four-star recruit. Rinehart is the second-highest rated commitment in NC State’s 2025 class, trailing three-star wide receiver Jerel Bolder.
NC State began building a strong connection with Rinehart during his initial visit to Raleigh in March. After receiving an offer on December 1, 2023, running backs coach Todd Goebbel emphasized Rinehart’s high standing on NC State’s recruitment board during the March visit.
Rinehart affirmed that he felt like a priority during the visit and expressed satisfaction with the experience, noting that he felt he was the top running back on the coach’s list.
NC State made a concerted effort to demonstrate Rinehart’s value to the team, emphasizing the need for his specific skill set. He joins three-star prospect RJ Boyd as the second running back commitment in the 2025 class, and Minnesota was the only other program to host Rinehart on an official visit.
His outstanding performance as a junior, amassing 2,837 yards on 341 carries, averaging 8.3 yards per attempt, and scoring 42 touchdowns, aligned well with Goebbel’s preference for tall, physical running backs. Rinehart’s commitment ranks No. 14 in NC State’s 2025 class, which currently stands at No. 50 nationally and No. 12 in the ACC.
