Five-Star WR Joshisa Trader Transfers from Miami to NC State
Top wide receiver Joshisa Trader has left Miami for NC State, adding a highly ranked playmaker to the Wolfpack amid heavy offseason roster turnover.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
The Miami Hurricanes are set to remain a strong program in 2026, even after their narrow loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Preseason projections suggest Miami will start the year in the Top 15 and remain the favorite in the ACC. However, the program has already seen talent exit through the transfer portal.
One of the first departures to be finalized is wide receiver Joshisa Trader, who has committed to NC State, according to On3Sports’ Hayes Fawcett. Trader had entered the portal shortly after the championship game, signaling a new chapter in his collegiate career.
Trader came to Miami as a highly touted five-star prospect, ranked among the top five wide receivers nationally in his high school class. He chose the Hurricanes over elite programs including Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, and Texas. His arrival at NC State adds a high-profile player to a Wolfpack receiving corps in transition.
During his two seasons in Coral Gables, Trader’s role grew gradually. He now arrives in Raleigh with the potential for significant playing time, joining a team that lost key pass-catchers in the portal and to the NFL Draft. His addition could immediately impact NC State’s offensive production in 2026.
1. Miami Career
Trader’s freshman season in 2024 offered a limited look at his abilities. He appeared in seven games, making one start, and recorded six receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. Though modest, the performance provided a foundation for his development at the collegiate level. In 2025, Trader’s role expanded. He played in 11 games and started three, finishing the season with 13 receptions for 178 yards and one touchdown. While he never became the centerpiece of Miami’s passing attack, he displayed flashes of the talent that made him a five-star recruit. His decision to enter the transfer portal followed the national championship defeat, suggesting a desire for a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills and take on a larger role in an offense. Trader’s time at Miami also reflects the challenges many elite recruits face in crowded, talent-rich programs—earning consistent snaps can be difficult even for highly ranked prospects. His move to NC State presents an opportunity for increased playing time and visibility.
2. Opportunity at NC State
NC State’s wide receiver room is in flux heading into 2026. The Wolfpack lost Terrell Anderson to USC and Noah Rogers to Alabama, while tight end Justin Joly is expected to enter the NFL Draft. These departures created immediate openings for a talented pass-catcher like Trader. The top returning receiver, Teddy Hoffmann, caught 25 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. While Hoffmann provides experience, the Wolfpack lacks another high-end weapon, making Trader a natural candidate to see significant snaps in his first season in Raleigh. Trader’s size, speed, and playmaking ability make him a top-rated incoming transfer in the ACC. NC State will likely feature him prominently in its passing schemes, particularly in red-zone and big-play situations where his skill set can be maximized. His arrival also signals NC State’s continued use of the transfer portal to address roster turnover, a strategy increasingly common in Power 5 programs seeking immediate impact players. Trader could quickly become a focal point of the Wolfpack offense.
3. Projection and Impact
If healthy and integrated effectively, Trader could make an immediate difference for NC State. His ability to stretch the field complements the returning personnel and provides quarterback options in multiple formations. NC State will likely design plays to capitalize on his athleticism, particularly in vertical passing concepts and slot-to-boundary matchups. His experience at Miami, even as a rotational player, gives him the foundation to contribute right away. The Wolfpack coaching staff will need to balance incorporating Trader with developing existing talent, ensuring he enhances rather than overshadows the returning receivers. If successful, NC State could quickly replace the production lost to transfers and the NFL. Trader’s addition also strengthens NC State’s position in the ACC, giving the team a potential playmaker capable of producing highlight-reel plays and helping sustain offensive efficiency throughout the season.