RALEIGH, NC (WTVD) — For NC State football players Raul “Popo” Aguirre Jr. and his younger brother, Markel “Chino,” Saturdays at Carter-Finley Stadium mean something a little more than football.
The Aguirre brothers are part of the Wolfpack’s 2026 defense, with Popo, a senior linebacker, and Chino, a freshman safety, now sharing the same college football field.
For Popo, the opportunity comes after beginning his college career at Miami. He transferred to NC State and has quickly become an important part of the Wolfpack defense. Chino arrived in Raleigh as a midyear enrollee and connected with his brother. But their connection goes beyond football.
The brothers share a Cuban heritage through their father, Raul Sr, giving their time together at NC State an added significance for their family. Now, they get to experience college football together, something their parents don’t have to split between two campuses.
“It’s the best decision I’ve ever made in my life,” said Popo. “Once he committed it, my dad’s face lit up,” said Chino. “That’s always a dad’s dream.”
Popo has already established himself as one of the leaders of the Wolfpack defense. On Saturday, Oct. 3 against Louisville, he recovered three fumbles and recorded six tackles as NC State secured a 31-28 victory.
For Chino, meanwhile, his first season in Raleigh represents the beginning of his own college career with a familiar face beside him every step of the way.
The brothers share an apartment in Raleigh and say that on most Thursday’s ahead of home games, the family comes to town to get ready to cheer them on for the weekend.
From backyard battles to Carter-Finley: the brothers are now chasing wins together again. And for the Aguirre family, that’s what makes this season especially meaningful.
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