Brothers of Cuban heritage fulfill a dream together in college football in the U.S.

Brothers Raul "Popo" Aguirre Jr. and Markel "Chino" Aguirre, of Cuban descent through their father, are sharing something this season that seemed difficult to imagine for years: playing together on the NC State football team.

According to a report from ABC 11, Popo, a senior linebacker, and Chino, a first-year safety, are part of the Wolfpack defense and now share the field at Carter-Finley Stadium after initially following different athletic paths.

Popo started his university career in Miami and in January 2026 transferred to NC State, where his younger brother was already enrolled, having joined the program as a freshman.

The story also holds special significance for the Aguirre family. The two brothers have Cuban roots on their father's side, Raul Aguirre Sr., and playing at the same university now allows their parents to support them without having to split between two campuses.

"It is the best decision I have made in my life," said Popo about the possibility of teaming up with his brother.

Chino also recalled his father's reaction to the possibility of both brothers attending NC State. "When he committed, my dad's face lit up," he recounted.

For the young player, seeing both brothers on the same team represents "every parent's dream."

The family moment also coincides with a remarkable season for Popo. In NC State's 31-28 victory against Louisville, held on Saturday, October 3rd, the linebacker recovered three fumbles and made six tackles, playing a crucial role in the Wolfpack's triumph.

One of those recoveries came at a crucial moment in the final quarter: Harvey Dyson III stripped the ball from Keyjuan Brown when he was threatening to score and Popo recovered it at the 13-yard line of NC State. The Wolfpack then scored the field goal that set the final score at 31-28.

For Chino, meanwhile, this first season in Raleigh marks the beginning of his own college career, but with the advantage of having his older brother by his side.

Off the field, they also share an apartment in Raleigh. According to them, almost every Thursday before home games, their family travels to the city to spend the weekend with them and support them from the stands.

From sibling rivalry during childhood to now sharing a uniform in college football, the Aguirres are experiencing a season defined by sport, family, and their Cuban roots.