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

Brothers Raul "Popo" Aguirre Jr. and Markel "Chino" Aguirre, who have Cuban heritage from their father's side, share this season something that for years seemed hard to imagine: playing together on the NC State football team.

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

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

The story also has a special significance for the Aguirre family. The two brothers have Cuban roots through their father, Raul Aguirre Sr., and playing at the same university now allows their parents to accompany them without having to split between two campuses.

"It's the best decision I've ever made in my life," Popo said about the possibility of sharing a team with his brother.

Chino also recalled his father's reaction when Popo decided to join NC State.

"When she got engaged, my dad's face lit up," she recounted.

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

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

One of those recoveries came at a crucial moment in the final quarter: Harvey Dyson III stripped the ball from Keyjuan Brown just as he was about to score, and Popo recovered it at the 13-yard line of NC State. The Wolfpack went on to score 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.

Outside of 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 rivalries during childhood to now sharing a uniform in college football, the Aguirres are experiencing a season marked by sport, family, and their Cuban roots.