### NC State QB Grayson McCall Suffers Serious Head Injury Against Wake Forest

In a disheartening turn of events, NC State quarterback Grayson McCall was removed from the field via cart after sustaining a head injury during the first quarter of Saturday's game against Wake Forest. The incident occurred after McCall took a hit to the head following an interception. This game marked McCall's return to the starting lineup after missing the previous two contests for the Wolfpack.

This isn’t McCall's first encounter with head injuries. Last season, while playing for Coastal Carolina, he suffered a severe concussion that not only ended his season prematurely but also jeopardized his career. Despite his history, McCall expressed his passion for football and his willingness to take risks for the game in a conversation with ESPN before the season began. "I love this game so much and quite literally put my body on the line to win football games, but at the end of the day, it's a game and there's more to life than playing football," McCall stated.

The seriousness of the incident was immediately clear as NC State players urgently signaled for medical assistance as soon as McCall was hit. Medical staff quickly responded, bringing a stretcher to the field, cutting off McCall's jersey, and fitting him with a neck brace. As McCall was being prepared for transport, his teammates could be seen walking off the field in tears, a testament to the gravity of the situation.

After an extended delay, McCall was taken off the field. In a gesture of resilience, he held up two fingers to the crowd while being carried away, though he kept his eyes covered. The emotional scene underscored the risks associated with the sport and the tight bonds within the team.

Following McCall’s exit, freshman CJ Bailey stepped in to lead the team. Bailey had started the previous two games against Clemson and Northern Illinois, demonstrating his potential to handle the pressures of college football.