Welcome to Eintracht News. Wake Forest football is entering the 2026 season after an impressive 9–4 campaign in 2025. The Demon Deacons finished that season with a Duke’s Mayo Bowl win over Mississippi State and now look to build on that success under head coach Jake Dickert.
The 2026 schedule gives fans a mix of ACC football games, non-conference matchups, road challenges, and important home contests. This guide covers the Wake Forest football schedule, coach, roster, stadium, tickets, history, and key things fans should know before the season.
Wake Forest Football at a Glance
The Wake Forest football program 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 play their home games at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. The program has a long college football history dating to 1888 and has won two ACC championships, in 1970 and 2006. Heading into 2026, the team is focused on building on its recent progress under head coach Jake Dickert.
Team Overview
The Demon Deacons are one of the established programs in ACC football. Wake Forest combines a long program history with a modern competitive schedule that includes conference and non-conference opponents. The team plays its home games in Winston-Salem, giving local fans regular opportunities to watch the program throughout the season.
Jake Dickert became head coach before the 2025 season and immediately helped the team improve. He led Wake Forest to a 9–4 record in his first season, giving the program a strong base to develop from in 2026. His focus now is on roster development, consistency, and competing at a higher level within the ACC.
Recent Team Performance
Wake Forest had a successful 2025 campaign, finishing 9–4 and ending the season with a 43–29 victory over Mississippi State in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. The bowl win gave the program its fourth nine-win season and provided a positive finish to Dickert’s first year. It also gave returning players valuable postseason experience.
That result makes the 2026 season an important follow-up for Wake Forest football. The Demon Deacons will need to maintain their momentum while facing several challenging ACC opponents. How the roster develops and how consistently the team performs in conference games will be key factors in determining its progress.
Wake Forest Football 2026 Schedule
The Wake Forest football 2026 schedule features 12 regular-season games, split evenly between six home contests and six road games. The season opens against Akron on September 3 and includes notable matchups with Miami, NC State, SMU, Georgia Tech, and Duke before the regular season closes at home against Duke on November 28. The schedule gives the Demon Deacons a mix of ACC football competition and non-conference games, creating several important tests throughout the season.
| 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 |
Some kickoff times and television details may be announced later. Fans should check the official college football schedule before making travel plans or finalizing game-day arrangements.
2026 Home Games
The Wake Forest football schedule includes six home games against Akron, Miami, Stanford, Virginia, Merrimack, and Duke. These games give fans several opportunities to watch the Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, with the matchups spread across the regular season.
The Miami game is one of the most notable home contests because it is scheduled for Friday, September 18, at 7:30 p.m. and is set for national coverage on ESPN. Stanford is connected with Family Weekend, while the Duke matchup closes the regular season and is scheduled as Senior Day.
2026 Road Games
Wake Forest has six road games in 2026, visiting Purdue, Louisville, NC State, Cal, SMU, and Georgia Tech. These contests will provide a different challenge because the Demon Deacons must perform away from their home crowd and manage the demands of road games.
The travel schedule also makes preparation important for fans. Anyone attending an away game should confirm the kickoff time, stadium policies, parking arrangements, and travel requirements before leaving for the game.
Biggest Games to Watch
Several Wake Forest football games could attract extra attention during the 2026 season. Miami is an early highlight because it brings a major opponent to Winston-Salem for a Friday night matchup. NC State and Duke also stand out because of their regional importance and history with Wake Forest.
SMU and Georgia Tech are other important ACC opponents on the schedule. The results of these conference games could play an important role in Wake Forest’s overall season, making them worth following closely as the campaign develops.
Read Also: App State Football 2026: Schedule, Games, Tickets, Teams & Fan Guide
Wake Forest Football Coach and Coaching Staff
The Wake Forest football coaching staff is led by Jake Dickert, who is entering his second season with the Demon Deacons. His coaching team combines experience on both sides of the ball, with responsibilities covering offense, quarterbacks, defense, and player development. The main goal for 2026 is to build on the team’s successful 2025 campaign and remain competitive throughout the ACC football schedule.
Head Coach Jake Dickert
Jake Dickert became the head coach of Wake Forest football before the 2025 season and made an immediate impact. He guided the Demon Deacons to a 9–4 record and finished the season with a Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory over Mississippi State. His nine wins also marked the most victories by a first-year head coach in Wake Forest program history.
That strong beginning gives Dickert a solid foundation for his second season. In 2026, his leadership will be important as Wake Forest works to develop its roster, improve consistency, and compete against a demanding group of ACC opponents.
What to Expect in Year Two
Dickert’s second season will be about turning early progress into sustained results. The coaching staff will need to develop returning players, integrate new talent, and prepare the team for both home and road challenges throughout the Wake Forest football schedule.
The staff includes Rob Ezell as offensive coordinator, Dan Enos as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and Scottie Hazelton as defensive coordinator. Their combined roles give the program dedicated leadership on offense and defense as Wake Forest looks to continue its progress in 2026.
Wake Forest Football Roster and Key Players
The Wake Forest football roster for 2026 includes a mix of returning players, transfers, and new additions across the offense and defense. This combination gives the Demon Deacons different options as they prepare for the season. While a few players are expected to receive extra attention, the overall performance of the team roster will depend on depth, development, and consistency at every position.
Quarterback Situation
The quarterback position is one of the main storylines for Wake Forest football in 2026. Gio Lopez is listed as a redshirt junior quarterback and brings previous college experience from North Carolina and South Alabama. His background gives the Demon Deacons an experienced option to lead the offense.
Lopez’s ability to manage games, make accurate throws, and work with the receiving group will be important throughout the season. His performance could have a direct effect on offensive consistency, especially against stronger ACC defenses.
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 unit also has players who could become important contributors during the season. Defensive back Deuce Blades II is one name to watch, while Wake Forest continues to develop its overall defensive depth for the 2026 campaign.
Scottie Hazelton serves as defensive coordinator, with Freddie Banks working as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Their leadership will be important as the defense prepares for different ACC opponents and adjusts to changes caused by injuries, player development, or depth-chart decisions.
Where Wake Forest Plays Football
Wake Forest football plays its home games in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, giving the Demon Deacons a familiar setting for their regular-season home matchups. The home venue is an important part of the team’s game-day experience and gives fans a central location to follow the team throughout the season. In 2026, Wake Forest is scheduled to host six regular-season games.
Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium
Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium is the home of the Wake Forest football team. The stadium provides the setting for six 2026 home games, including the season opener against Akron and notable matchups with Miami, Stanford, Virginia, Merrimack, and Duke.
Playing at home can provide Wake Forest with a valuable home-field advantage, especially during important conference matchups. The stadium also gives fans the opportunity to experience Demon Deacons football in person throughout the season.
What Fans Can Expect on Game Day
Fans attending a Wake Forest game should check the latest schedule before traveling because kickoff times and event details can change. Arriving early can also make it easier to handle parking, stadium entry, and other game-day arrangements without rushing.
The 2026 home schedule includes several special events, including Opening Night, Family Weekend, Salute to Service, Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, and Senior Day. These events add extra activities and themes to selected home games, making the experience more than just the football matchup.
Wake Forest Football Tickets
Wake Forest football tickets give fans several ways to attend the Demon Deacons’ home games during the 2026 season. The main options include single-game tickets for specific matchups and season-ticket packages for fans who want to attend multiple games. Prices, seating availability, and promotions can vary depending on the opponent and game.
Single-Game Tickets
Wake Forest football tickets for individual 2026 home games are available through the official Wake Forest ticket system. The six-game home schedule includes matchups with Akron, Miami, Stanford, Virginia, Merrimack, and Duke, giving fans different options throughout the season.
Ticket prices can vary by opponent. Official information lists starting prices of $15 for the Akron and Duke games and $50 for the Miami and Stanford games. Because prices and availability can change, fans should check the official ticket source before purchasing.
Season Tickets
Season tickets can be a practical choice for fans who plan to attend several Wake Forest football games. Instead of purchasing individual tickets for each matchup, season-ticket holders can secure access to multiple home games and choose from available seating options.
Wake Forest Athletics also offers an Annual Seat Rights Program connected with 2026 football seating. Fans should review the latest official information for current prices, seating availability, benefits, and purchasing requirements before making a decision.
Wake Forest Football History and ACC Success
The Wake Forest football program has a long history that dates back to 1888 and has developed into a respected ACC football program. From its early games in North Carolina to conference championships and bowl appearances, the Demon Deacons have built a tradition that remains an important part of the team’s identity today.
Program History
The Wake Forest football program began in 1888 and has deep roots in North Carolina college sports. Wake Forest Athletics notes that the school played North Carolina in the first college football game held in the state, giving the program an important place in the early history of the sport.
Since then, the Demon Deacons have built a strong football tradition through successful seasons, notable players, conference competition, and postseason appearances. This long history continues to shape the team’s identity and its connection with fans.
ACC Championships and Bowl History
Wake Forest has won two ACC football championships, with titles coming in 1970 and 2006. The 2006 team had a particularly memorable season, winning a school-record 11 games before defeating Georgia Tech 9–6 in the ACC Championship Game.
The program also has a long bowl history, beginning with the 1946 Gator Bowl. Bowl appearances have given Wake Forest opportunities to compete against teams from outside its regular conference schedule and add important postseason moments to its history.
Important Rivalries
Duke, NC State, and North Carolina are among the most familiar opponents in Wake Forest football. These matchups carry extra interest because of geographic proximity, conference connections, and years of competition between the schools.
The 2026 schedule continues that tradition with games against NC State and Duke. These rivalry games can attract strong fan interest and often carry additional importance beyond their place on the regular-season schedule.
How to Follow Wake Forest Football
Following Wake Forest football is simple when fans use official sources for schedules, scores, roster news, and broadcasts. The official Wake Forest Athletics website brings these updates together and is especially useful during the season, when kickoff times, television details, player availability, and other team news can change.
Check the Official Schedule
The Wake Forest football schedule should be the first place fans check for game information. It lists opponents, dates, locations, kickoff times, and available television details, helping fans plan for both home and road games.
Fans should avoid relying only on old schedule posts or third-party listings. The official schedule can be updated as new broadcast information becomes available, so checking it regularly helps prevent missed changes.
Follow Scores and Team News
Wake Forest fans can follow game results, player updates, roster information, coaching news, and other team news through Wake Forest Athletics. These updates are useful for staying informed before, during, and after each game.
Official sources are particularly helpful when injuries, depth-chart changes, or broadcast information affect a matchup. Following the team’s latest updates also gives fans a better picture of how the season is developing.
Watch for Schedule Changes
Kickoff times and television information are not always finalized when the full Wake Forest football schedule is first released. For example, Wake Forest later announced confirmed times and networks for its first three 2026 games, including the Akron, Purdue, and Miami matchups.
For this reason, fans should recheck the official schedule closer to game day. This is especially important when planning travel, buying tickets, or deciding where to watch a game.
Common Mistakes Wake Forest Football Fans Should Avoid
Fans following Wake Forest football can avoid unnecessary problems by checking current information before making game-day or travel plans. A few simple habits can help supporters stay updated throughout the season.
- Relying on an outdated schedule
Game dates, kickoff times, and broadcast details can change. Always check the official football schedule before planning around a game. - Assuming every game has a confirmed kickoff time
Some 2026 games are still listed as TBD. Wait for official confirmation before making fixed travel plans. - Ignoring road-game logistics
Away games require more planning than home games. Check travel routes, parking, stadium rules, and expected arrival times in advance. - Waiting too long to buy tickets for major games
Matchups such as Miami and Duke may attract more interest. Checking ticket availability early can give fans more seating choices. - Using unofficial roster information
Players can move on the depth chart or become unavailable during the season. Use the official Wake Forest football roster for current player information. - Forgetting to check TV and streaming details
Broadcast information can differ between games and may be announced later. Confirm the latest network or viewing option before game day.
What to Watch for During the 2026 Season
The 2026 season gives Wake Forest football several important storylines to follow after a successful 2025 campaign. The team will need to maintain its recent momentum while developing its roster and handling a demanding college football schedule. How Wake Forest performs in these areas will help show whether the program is moving forward under Jake Dickert.
Can Wake Forest Build on Its 2025 Success?
Wake Forest enters 2026 after finishing the previous season with a 9–4 record and winning the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. That result gave the program confidence and provided Jake Dickert with a strong first season. The challenge now is to turn that success into consistent performances across an entire season.
Maintaining that level will require the Demon Deacons to perform well in both home and road games. Strong preparation, fewer mistakes, and consistent play against ACC opponents will be important if Wake Forest wants to build on its 2025 results.
How Will the New-Look Roster Perform?
Roster development is another major storyline for Wake Forest football in 2026. The team has a combination of returning players, transfers, and new additions, creating opportunities for different players to earn larger roles. Experienced players such as Gio Lopez, KD Daniels, Deuce Blades II, and Kam Shanks could provide useful continuity.
The coaching staff will need to turn that individual talent into a balanced team. Position depth, player development, and adjustments during the season will be especially important as the Demon Deacons face different ACC defenses and offenses.
Can Wake Forest Compete in Key ACC Matchups?
Wake Forest’s 2026 schedule includes conference games against Louisville, NC State, Cal, Virginia, SMU, Georgia Tech, and Duke. Each matchup will provide a different test, particularly during the tougher stretches of the ACC schedule.
Instead of focusing only on predicted wins and losses, fans should watch how consistently Wake Forest competes against these opponents. Performance in close games, road contests, and important conference matchups will provide a clearer picture of the team’s progress during the 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 enters 2026 with positive momentum after a 9–4 season and a Duke’s Mayo Bowl championship. Jake Dickert now begins his second season with a team that has higher expectations and an interesting mix of returning players and new additions.
The 2026 college football schedule includes six home games and six road games, with Miami, NC State, SMU, Georgia Tech, and Duke among the matchups worth watching. Fans should use official Wake Forest Athletics sources for the latest schedule, roster, ticket, and broadcast updates.
