Welcome to Eintracht News, your source for the latest Wake Forest football updates. The Demon Deacons are heading into the 2026 season with plenty of momentum after finishing 2025 with a strong 9–4 record and securing a Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory over Mississippi State. Under head coach Jake Dickert, Wake Forest will look to carry that success forward and compete at an even higher level this season.
The 2026 Wake Forest football schedule features a balanced mix of ACC competition, non-conference games, challenging road trips, and key matchups at home. In this guide, we’ll cover everything fans need to know, including the schedule, coaching staff, roster, stadium, tickets, program history, and other important details ahead of the new season.
Wake Forest Football at a Glance
The Wake Forest football team represents Wake Forest University and competes in the ACC at the NCAA Division I FBS level. Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the Demon Deacons host their home games at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. With a college football tradition that dates back to 1888, Wake Forest has captured two ACC championships, winning titles in 1970 and 2006.
As the 2026 season gets underway, the Demon Deacons are looking to continue their recent progress under head coach Jake Dickert. The program aims to build on its past achievements while competing for another successful season in the ACC.
Team Overview
The Demon Deacons have a long-standing presence in ACC football, combining a rich program tradition with a competitive schedule each year. Wake Forest faces a variety of conference and non-conference opponents, while its home games in Winston-Salem give supporters plenty of chances to experience the action throughout the season.
Jake Dickert took over as head coach ahead of the 2025 season and made an immediate impact. In his first year, he guided Wake Forest to a 9–4 record, providing the program with a solid foundation heading into 2026. His priorities moving forward include developing the roster, improving consistency, and helping the Demon Deacons compete more effectively across the ACC.
Recent Team Performance
The Demon Deacons enjoyed a strong 2025 season, posting a 9–4 record and finishing the year with a 43–29 win over Mississippi State in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. The postseason victory marked Wake Forest’s fourth nine-win season and gave Jake Dickert an encouraging start to his tenure. It also provided returning players with valuable experience heading into the next season.
For Wake Forest football, the 2026 campaign represents an opportunity to build on that success. The Demon Deacons will need to carry their momentum into a demanding ACC schedule while continuing to strengthen the roster. Consistent performances in conference play and steady player development could play a major role in determining how far the team progresses this season.
Wake Forest Football 2026 Schedule
The Wake Forest football 2026 schedule features 12 regular-season games, with six matchups at home and six on the road. The Demon Deacons begin the season against Akron on September 3 before taking on a challenging lineup that includes Miami, NC State, SMU, Georgia Tech, and Duke. The regular season concludes at home against Duke on November 28, giving fans one more opportunity to watch the team in Winston-Salem.
Overall, the schedule offers a combination of ACC football matchups and non-conference games, providing Wake Forest with several opportunities to test its progress. The mix of home-field contests and difficult road trips should make for an important season as the Demon Deacons look to build on their recent success.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time |
| Sept. 3 | Akron | Home | 7 p.m. |
| Sept. 12 | Purdue | Away | 12 p.m. |
| Sept. 18 | Miami | Home | 7:30 p.m. |
| Sept. 26 | Louisville | Away | TBD |
| Oct. 3 | Stanford | Home | TBD |
| Oct. 10 | NC State | Away | TBD |
| Oct. 17 | Cal | Away | TBD |
| Oct. 31 | Virginia | Home | TBD |
| Nov. 7 | Merrimack | Home | TBD |
| Nov. 14 | SMU | Away | TBD |
| Nov. 21 | Georgia Tech | Away | TBD |
| Nov. 28 | Duke | Home | TBD |
Kickoff times and television coverage for some games may be announced at a later date. Fans should check the official college football schedule regularly for the latest updates before planning trips, purchasing tickets, or making other game-day arrangements.
2026 Home Games
The Wake Forest football schedule features six home games against Akron, Miami, Stanford, Virginia, Merrimack, and Duke. These matchups give supporters plenty of chances to see the Demon Deacons in action at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium throughout the regular season.
Among the home games, the matchup with Miami stands out as a major attraction. It is set for Friday, September 18, at 7:30 p.m. and will receive national coverage on ESPN. The Stanford game coincides with Family Weekend, while the regular-season finale against Duke will also serve as Senior Day.
2026 Road Games
The Wake Forest football schedule features six road games in 2026, with the Demon Deacons traveling to Purdue, Louisville, NC State, Cal, SMU, and Georgia Tech. Playing away from home will present a different set of challenges, requiring the team to stay focused and perform well in unfamiliar environments.
The road schedule also means fans should plan ahead when attending away games. Before traveling, supporters should check the latest kickoff time, review stadium policies, confirm parking options, and make sure they understand any travel requirements for the venue.
Biggest Games to Watch
Several Wake Forest football matchups could draw significant attention during the 2026 season. The Miami game is an early standout, bringing a high-profile opponent to Winston-Salem for an exciting Friday night contest. NC State and Duke are also notable matchups because of their regional significance and established history with the Demon Deacons.
SMU and Georgia Tech will provide additional tests in ACC play. The outcomes of these conference games could have a meaningful impact on Wake Forest’s overall season and make each matchup important to follow as the campaign progresses.
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Wake Forest Football Coach and Coaching Staff
The Wake Forest football coaching staff is headed by Jake Dickert, who is entering his second season leading the Demon Deacons. His staff brings experience across different areas of the team, including offense, quarterbacks, defense, and player development. Together, the coaching group will look to continue the progress made during the successful 2025 season.
Heading into 2026, the primary focus will be on developing the roster, maintaining consistency, and keeping Wake Forest competitive throughout its ACC football schedule. The coaching staff will play an important role in preparing the team for the challenges of the upcoming campaign.
Head Coach Jake Dickert
Jake Dickert took over as head coach of Wake Forest football ahead of the 2025 season and quickly made his mark on the program. In his first year, he led the Demon Deacons to a 9–4 record and capped the campaign with a Duke’s Mayo Bowl win over Mississippi State. His nine victories also set a program record for the most wins by a first-year Wake Forest head coach.
That successful debut provides Dickert with a strong foundation heading into his second season. In 2026, his leadership will be key as the Demon Deacons continue developing their roster, work toward greater consistency, and prepare for a challenging slate of ACC opponents.
What to Expect in Year Two
In his second season, Jake Dickert will look to turn the progress from his first year into consistent success. The coaching staff will focus on developing returning players, bringing new talent into the system, and preparing the team to handle both home and road challenges across the Wake Forest football schedule.
The coaching staff features Rob Ezell as offensive coordinator, Dan Enos as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and Scottie Hazelton as defensive coordinator. With responsibilities covering both sides of the ball, the group provides focused leadership as the Demon Deacons aim to continue building momentum throughout the 2026 season.
Wake Forest Football Roster and Key Players
The Wake Forest football roster for 2026 features a combination of returning players, transfer additions, and new talent on both offense and defense. This mix gives the Demon Deacons added flexibility and several options as they prepare for the upcoming season. While certain players may attract more attention, the team’s overall success will depend on having strong depth and reliable performances across every position.
As the season approaches, player development and consistency will be especially important for Wake Forest. How well returning players improve, new additions adjust to the system, and the roster works together could have a major impact on the team’s performance throughout the 2026 campaign.
Quarterback Situation
The quarterback position will be an important storyline for Wake Forest football in 2026. Gio Lopez, a redshirt junior, brings valuable college experience from North Carolina and South Alabama. His previous experience gives the Demon Deacons a seasoned option to guide the offense and help set the tone for the season.
Lopez’s ability to make smart decisions, deliver accurate passes, and build chemistry with the receiving group will be important throughout the year. His performance could play a major role in maintaining offensive consistency, particularly when Wake Forest faces some of the tougher ACC defenses on its schedule.
Offensive Players to Watch
Wake Forest will need balanced production from its offense, including reliable quarterback play, an effective running game, receiving depth, and strong offensive-line performance. KD Daniels provides an option in the backfield, while Kam Shanks adds experience to the wide receiver group on the 2026 roster.
These players can help give the offense more flexibility, but the unit will need contributions from several positions rather than depending on one player. The depth chart can change during the season, so the official Wake Forest football roster should be checked for the latest lineup information.
Defensive Players to Watch
The defensive side of the Wake Forest football roster also features players who could make a strong impact during the 2026 season. Defensive back Deuce Blades II is one player to watch as the Demon Deacons continue building depth and preparing for the challenges ahead.
Scottie Hazelton leads the defense as defensive coordinator, while Freddie Banks serves as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Their experience will be important as Wake Forest prepares for a variety of ACC opponents and manages potential changes throughout the season, including injuries, player development, and adjustments to the depth chart.
Where Wake Forest Plays Football
Wake Forest football hosts its home games in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, giving the Demon Deacons a familiar environment for their regular-season matchups. The home stadium plays an important role in the team’s game-day experience, bringing local supporters together and providing a consistent setting for fans throughout the season. For the 2026 campaign, Wake Forest is scheduled to play six regular-season games at home.
Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium
Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium serves as the home venue for Wake Forest football and will host six regular-season games in 2026. The home schedule includes the season opener against Akron, along with notable matchups against Miami, Stanford, Virginia, Merrimack, and Duke.
Playing in front of a home crowd can give the Demon Deacons a valuable home-field advantage, particularly in important conference games. The stadium also gives supporters a chance to experience Wake Forest football in person and enjoy the excitement of game day throughout the season.
What Fans Can Expect on Game Day
Fans planning to attend a Wake Forest football game should review the latest schedule before traveling, as kickoff times and event details may change. Arriving at the stadium early can also help supporters manage parking, entry procedures, and other game-day arrangements more comfortably and avoid unnecessary delays.
The 2026 home schedule also features several special events, including Opening Night, Family Weekend, Salute to Service, Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, and Senior Day. These occasions bring additional activities and themes to selected games, giving fans an experience that goes beyond simply watching the football action.
Wake Forest Football Tickets
Wake Forest football tickets offer fans different ways to attend the Demon Deacons’ home games during the 2026 season. Supporters can choose single-game tickets for individual matchups or season-ticket packages for access to multiple games throughout the year. Prices, available seating, and promotional offers may differ based on the opponent and specific game.
Single-Game Tickets
Wake Forest football tickets for individual 2026 home games can be purchased through the official Wake Forest ticket system. The six-game home schedule features Akron, Miami, Stanford, Virginia, Merrimack, and Duke, giving fans several opportunities to attend games throughout the season.
Ticket costs may vary depending on the opponent. Listed starting prices are $15 for the Akron and Duke games, while Miami and Stanford tickets start at $50. Since ticket prices and seating availability may change, fans should check the official ticket source for the latest information before making a purchase.
Season Tickets
Season tickets can be a convenient option for fans who plan to attend multiple Wake Forest football games during the 2026 season. Rather than buying a separate ticket for every matchup, season-ticket holders can receive access to several home games while selecting from available seating options.
Wake Forest Athletics also has an Annual Seat Rights Program associated with 2026 football seating. Since prices, seating availability, benefits, and purchasing requirements may change, fans should review the latest official information before choosing the option that best fits their needs.
Wake Forest Football History and ACC Success
The Wake Forest football program has a history dating back to 1888 and has grown into a well-established ACC football program. Over the years, the Demon Deacons have built their identity through decades of competition, conference success, and bowl appearances.
From the program’s early days in North Carolina to its modern era, Wake Forest has developed a proud football tradition. That history continues to play an important role in the team’s identity as the Demon Deacons prepare for each new season.
Program History
The Wake Forest football program was established in 1888 and has deep connections to the history of college sports in North Carolina. Wake Forest Athletics notes that the school faced North Carolina in the first college football game played in the state, giving the Demon Deacons a notable place in the early development of the sport.
Over the decades, Wake Forest has built a proud football tradition through successful seasons, standout players, conference competition, and postseason appearances. That long-standing history continues to influence the program’s identity and remains an important part of its connection with supporters.
ACC Championships and Bowl History
Wake Forest has captured two ACC football championships, earning conference titles in 1970 and 2006. The 2006 season stands out as one of the program’s most memorable campaigns, as the Demon Deacons set a school record with 11 wins before defeating Georgia Tech 9–6 in the ACC Championship Game.
The program also has an extensive bowl history, dating back to its appearance in the 1946 Gator Bowl. Over the years, postseason bowl games have allowed Wake Forest to face opponents from outside its regular conference schedule while creating memorable moments that have added to the program’s football legacy.
Important Rivalries
Duke, NC State, and North Carolina are some of the most familiar opponents in Wake Forest football. These matchups receive added attention because of the schools’ close geographic locations, shared conference history, and many years of competition.
The 2026 schedule continues this tradition with games against NC State and Duke. These rivalry games often generate strong interest among fans and can carry extra significance, making them some of the most anticipated contests of the regular season.
How to Follow Wake Forest Football
Following Wake Forest football is easy when fans rely on official sources for schedules, scores, roster updates, and broadcast information. The official Wake Forest Athletics website brings these details together in one place, making it a useful resource throughout the season when kickoff times, television coverage, player availability, and other team news may change.
Checking official updates regularly can help fans stay informed about the latest developments and avoid relying on outdated information. Whether following the schedule, tracking scores, or checking roster news, official Wake Forest Athletics channels are the best place to find current team information.
Check the Official Schedule
The Wake Forest football schedule is the best starting point for fans looking for the latest game details. It provides important information such as opponents, dates, venues, kickoff times, and available television coverage, making it easier to plan for both home and away matchups.
Fans should not depend solely on older schedule articles or third-party listings, as game details can change during the season. Broadcast information and kickoff times may be updated, so checking the official schedule regularly is the best way to stay informed and avoid missing important changes.
Follow Scores and Team News
Wake Forest fans can stay informed about game results, player developments, roster changes, coaching updates, and other team news through Wake Forest Athletics. Following these official updates helps supporters keep track of the program before, during, and after each game.
Official information becomes especially important when injuries, depth-chart adjustments, or broadcast details impact an upcoming matchup. By checking the latest team updates regularly, fans can stay current and get a clearer understanding of how the Wake Forest football season is progressing.
Watch for Schedule Changes
Kickoff times and television coverage are not always confirmed when the full Wake Forest football schedule is initially released. For the 2026 season, Wake Forest later announced finalized times and networks for its first three games against Akron, Purdue, and Miami.
Because game details can be updated closer to each matchup, fans should check the official schedule regularly as game day approaches. This is particularly important when making travel plans, purchasing tickets, or deciding how and where to watch the game.
Common Mistakes Wake Forest Football Fans Should Avoid
Fans following Wake Forest football can avoid common game-day and travel issues by checking the latest information before making plans. A few simple steps can help supporters stay prepared and informed throughout the season.
- Relying on an outdated schedule: Game dates, kickoff times, and broadcast details may change. Always review the official football schedule before making plans around a matchup.
- Assuming every game has a confirmed kickoff time: Some 2026 games may still be listed as TBD. Fans should wait for official confirmation before making firm travel arrangements.
- Overlooking road-game logistics: Away games often require additional preparation. Check travel routes, parking options, stadium policies, and expected arrival times ahead of the trip.
- Waiting too long to purchase tickets: High-interest matchups such as Miami and Duke could have greater demand. Checking ticket availability early may provide more seating options.
- Using unofficial roster information: Players may move on the depth chart or become unavailable during the season. For the latest player details, rely on the official Wake Forest football roster.
- Forgetting to confirm TV and streaming details: Broadcast information can vary from game to game and may be announced later. Check the latest network or viewing information before game day.
What to Watch for During the 2026 Season
The 2026 season presents several important storylines for Wake Forest football following the program’s successful 2025 campaign. The Demon Deacons will look to carry that momentum forward while continuing to develop the roster and navigate a challenging college football schedule. Consistent performances in these areas will be important as the team works to take another step under head coach Jake Dickert.
How effectively Wake Forest handles its schedule, develops its players, and maintains consistency will help determine the direction of the program in 2026. With another season under Dickert’s leadership, the Demon Deacons have an opportunity to build on last year’s progress and establish stronger results moving forward.
Can Wake Forest Build on Its 2025 Success?
Wake Forest heads into the 2026 season after posting a 9–4 record and earning a Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory in 2025. The successful campaign gave the Demon Deacons valuable momentum and provided head coach Jake Dickert with an encouraging start to his tenure. The next challenge is turning that early success into consistent performances throughout an entire season.
To build on those results, Wake Forest will need to perform effectively both at home and on the road. Strong preparation, limiting mistakes, and delivering consistent performances against ACC opponents will be essential as the Demon Deacons look to take another step forward in 2026.
How Will the New-Look Roster Perform?
Roster development will be another important storyline for Wake Forest football in 2026. With a mix of returning players, transfer additions, and new talent, the Demon Deacons have several opportunities for players to step into expanded roles. Experienced contributors such as Gio Lopez, KD Daniels, Deuce Blades II, and Kam Shanks could provide valuable continuity as the team prepares for the new season.
The coaching staff’s challenge will be bringing that individual talent together into a well-balanced team. Building reliable depth at each position, developing younger players, and making effective adjustments throughout the season will be essential. These factors could become especially important as the Demon Deacons prepare to face a variety of ACC offenses and defenses.
Can Wake Forest Compete in Key ACC Matchups?
Wake Forest’s 2026 schedule features conference matchups against Louisville, NC State, Cal, Virginia, SMU, Georgia Tech, and Duke. Each opponent will bring a different challenge, with some stretches of the ACC schedule likely to test the Demon Deacons’ consistency and preparation.
Rather than focusing only on projected wins and losses, fans can get a better sense of Wake Forest’s progress by watching how the team performs against these conference opponents. Results in close contests, road games, and key ACC matchups will offer valuable insight into how well the Demon Deacons are developing throughout the 2026 season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wake Forest Football
Who is the current Wake Forest football coach?
Jake Dickert is the current head coach of Wake Forest football. He led the team to a 9–4 record and a Duke’s Mayo Bowl win in his first season.
Where does Wake Forest play its home football games?
The Demon Deacons play their home games at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
How many home games does Wake Forest have in 2026?
Wake Forest has six home games during the 2026 regular season: Akron, Miami, Stanford, Virginia, Merrimack, and Duke.
Who are Wake Forest’s biggest 2026 opponents?
Miami, NC State, SMU, Georgia Tech, and Duke are among the notable opponents on the 2026 schedule. The Miami game is especially notable as a Friday night nationally televised home game.
Where can fans find the latest Wake Forest football schedule?
The official Wake Forest Athletics football schedule is the best place to check current dates, kickoff times, locations, and broadcast information.
Conclusion
Wake Forest football heads into the 2026 season with plenty of momentum after a 9–4 campaign and a Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory in 2025. With Jake Dickert entering his second season, the Demon Deacons will look to build on that foundation while managing higher expectations and integrating a mix of returning players, transfers, and new additions.
The 2026 college football schedule features six home games and six road contests, including notable matchups against Miami, NC State, SMU, Georgia Tech, and Duke. Fans should follow official Wake Forest Athletics channels for the most current information on the schedule, roster, tickets, kickoff times, and broadcast coverage throughout the season.
