Welcome to Eintracht News, your destination for the latest Wake Forest football news and updates. The Demon Deacons enter the 2026 season with plenty of confidence after an impressive 9–4 campaign in 2025, which ended with a Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory over Mississippi State. With head coach Jake Dickert leading the program, Wake Forest will aim to build on last season’s success and take another step forward in 2026.
The 2026 Wake Forest football schedule includes a competitive combination of ACC matchups, non-conference contests, important home games, and challenging road trips. In this guide, we’ll explore everything fans need to know about the upcoming season, including the schedule, coaching staff, roster, stadium, tickets, program history, and other key details surrounding Wake Forest football.
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. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the Demon Deacons play their home games at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. With a football tradition dating back to 1888, Wake Forest has won two ACC championships, claiming conference titles in 1970 and 2006.
Entering the 2026 season, the Demon Deacons are focused on building on their recent progress under head coach Jake Dickert. The program will look to draw from its long history and previous accomplishments while competing for another strong campaign in the ACC. With a mix of returning talent and new opportunities, Wake Forest aims to continue developing as a competitive force in college football.
Team Overview
The Demon Deacons have a long and respected history in ACC football, combining a strong program tradition with a challenging schedule each season. Wake Forest competes against a mix of conference rivals and non-conference opponents, while its home games in Winston-Salem provide fans with plenty of opportunities to watch the team in action and support the program throughout the year.
Jake Dickert became Wake Forest’s head coach ahead of the 2025 season and quickly helped establish a positive direction for the team. During his first season, he led the Demon Deacons to a 9–4 record, giving the program a strong platform to build on heading into 2026. Moving forward, his focus includes developing the roster, creating greater consistency, and helping Wake Forest remain competitive throughout the ACC.
Recent Team Performance
The Demon Deacons had a successful 2025 campaign, finishing with a 9–4 record and closing the season with a 43–29 victory over Mississippi State in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. The bowl win marked Wake Forest’s fourth nine-win season and gave head coach Jake Dickert a strong beginning to his tenure. The experience gained during the season also gave returning players an important foundation to build on heading into 2026.
For Wake Forest football, the 2026 season offers an opportunity to continue that progress. The Demon Deacons will face a demanding ACC schedule while working to maintain their momentum and further improve the roster. Strong performances in conference games, continued player development, and greater consistency throughout the season will be important factors as Wake Forest looks to take another step forward in 2026.
Wake Forest Football 2026 Schedule
The Wake Forest football 2026 schedule includes 12 regular-season games, split evenly between six home contests and six road matchups. The Demon Deacons open the season against Akron on September 3 before moving into a competitive slate featuring opponents such as Miami, NC State, SMU, Georgia Tech, and Duke. The regular season wraps up at home against Duke on November 28, giving fans another chance to see Wake Forest compete in Winston-Salem.
Overall, the schedule combines important ACC football matchups with several non-conference games, creating a variety of challenges throughout the season. With a balanced number of home and away contests, Wake Forest will have opportunities to use home-field support while also proving itself on the road. The demanding schedule will be an important test as the Demon Deacons aim to continue the progress made in recent seasons.
| 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 includes six regular-season home games against Akron, Miami, Stanford, Virginia, Merrimack, and Duke. These matchups give fans several opportunities to watch the Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium and experience the excitement of college football in Winston-Salem.
The home matchup against Miami is one of the most anticipated games on the schedule. It is scheduled for Friday, September 18, at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. The Stanford contest will take place during Family Weekend, adding a special element for students and supporters, while the regular-season finale against Duke will also feature Senior Day celebrations.
2026 Road Games
The Wake Forest football schedule includes six road games during the 2026 season, with the Demon Deacons traveling to Purdue, Louisville, NC State, Cal, SMU, and Georgia Tech. These away matchups will provide a different challenge for the team, as Wake Forest will need to remain focused and execute effectively while playing in unfamiliar stadiums and environments.
For fans planning to attend these road games, preparing in advance can make the experience much easier. Supporters should check the latest kickoff information, review the stadium’s entry and security policies, look into available parking, and plan transportation before traveling. Staying informed about venue requirements and game-day details can help fans enjoy following the Demon Deacons on the road.
Biggest Games to Watch
Several Wake Forest football games stand out on the 2026 schedule and could attract plenty of attention throughout the season. The matchup with Miami is an early highlight, bringing a high-profile ACC opponent to Winston-Salem for a Friday night game. Meetings with NC State and Duke are also notable, given their regional connections and long history of competition with the Demon Deacons.
The matchups against SMU and Georgia Tech add further challenges to the ACC schedule. These conference contests will give Wake Forest opportunities to measure its progress against familiar league competition. As the season develops, performances in these games will be important parts of the Demon Deacons’ overall 2026 campaign.
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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.
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
Entering his second season, Jake Dickert will look to build on the progress made during his first year and establish greater consistency for the Demon Deacons. The coaching staff will emphasize developing returning players, integrating new talent, and preparing the team to handle the challenges presented by both home and road games throughout the Wake Forest football schedule.
The coaching staff includes Rob Ezell as offensive coordinator, Dan Enos as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and Scottie Hazelton as defensive coordinator. Each coach brings specific responsibilities to the program, helping guide the offense, defense, and overall player development as Wake Forest works to maintain its momentum and continue progressing during the 2026 season.
Wake Forest Football Roster and Key Players
The Wake Forest football roster for 2026 brings together returning players, transfer additions, and emerging talent across both offense and defense. This combination gives the Demon Deacons greater depth, flexibility, and more options as they prepare for the upcoming season. While individual players may receive plenty of attention, the team’s overall performance will likely depend on consistent play, strong depth, and dependable contributions at every position.
With the 2026 season approaching, player development and team consistency will be key areas for Wake Forest. The progress of returning players, the ability of new additions to adapt to the system, and how quickly the roster develops chemistry could all shape the team’s results. A balanced and well-coordinated roster can help the Demon Deacons handle the demands of the season and compete effectively throughout the 2026 Wake Forest football campaign.
Quarterback Situation
The quarterback position will be one of the key storylines for Wake Forest football in 2026. Redshirt junior Gio Lopez brings valuable college experience from North Carolina and South Alabama, giving the Demon Deacons an experienced option to lead the offense. His familiarity with college football could provide stability at quarterback while helping establish the offensive direction for the upcoming season.
Lopez’s decision-making, passing accuracy, and ability to develop strong chemistry with the receiving corps will be important throughout the 2026 campaign. Consistent quarterback play could help Wake Forest maintain its offensive rhythm, especially during challenging matchups against some of the stronger ACC defenses on the schedule. His leadership and ability to execute the offense could also be important as the team works to build momentum throughout the season.
Offensive Players to Watch
Wake Forest will need balanced production across its offense in 2026, including dependable quarterback play, an effective rushing attack, receiving depth, and consistent performance from the offensive line. KD Daniels gives the Demon Deacons an option in the backfield, while Kam Shanks brings experience and added depth to the wide receiver group. Together with the rest of the offensive unit, these players can provide different ways for Wake Forest to move the ball and create scoring opportunities.
However, the offense will need contributions from multiple positions rather than relying heavily on any single player. Strong communication and consistency across the unit will be important as the season develops, particularly against challenging opponents. Because injuries, performances, and coaching decisions can affect the depth chart throughout the year, fans should refer to the official Wake Forest football roster for the most current lineup and player 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 plays its home games in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, giving the Demon Deacons a familiar setting for their regular-season matchups. The home stadium is an important part of the team’s game-day experience, bringing local fans and supporters together while creating a consistent atmosphere for players throughout the season. For the 2026 campaign, Wake Forest is scheduled to host six regular-season games.
Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium
Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium will serve as the home venue for Wake Forest football in 2026, with six regular-season games scheduled in Winston-Salem. The home slate includes the season opener against Akron, along with matchups against Miami, Stanford, Virginia, Merrimack, and Duke. These games give fans several opportunities to watch the Demon Deacons compete on their home field throughout the season.
Playing in front of a home crowd can provide the team with a valuable home-field advantage, especially during important conference matchups. The stadium also offers supporters an opportunity to experience Wake Forest football in person, from the pregame atmosphere to the excitement of the action on the field. For fans following the 2026 campaign, the home schedule provides multiple chances to be part of the game-day experience.
What Fans Can Expect on Game Day
Fans attending a Wake Forest football game should check the latest schedule before traveling, as kickoff times and event details may change. Arriving early can also make parking, entry, and other game-day arrangements easier and help avoid unnecessary delays.
The 2026 home schedule includes special events such as Opening Night, Family Weekend, Salute to Service, Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, and Senior Day. These occasions add extra activities and themes to selected games, giving fans more ways to enjoy the Wake Forest football experience.
Wake Forest Football Tickets
Wake Forest football tickets give fans several options for attending the Demon Deacons’ home games during the 2026 season. Supporters can purchase single-game tickets for specific matchups or choose season-ticket packages for access to multiple games throughout the year. Ticket prices, seating availability, and special offers may vary depending on the opponent and individual 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 choice for fans planning to attend multiple Wake Forest football games during the 2026 season. Instead of purchasing separate tickets for each matchup, season-ticket holders can receive access to several home games while choosing from available seating options.
Wake Forest Athletics also offers an Annual Seat Rights Program connected to 2026 football seating. Because prices, availability, benefits, and purchasing requirements may change, fans should check the latest official information before selecting the option that best suits their needs.
Wake Forest Football History and ACC Success
The Wake Forest football program dates back to 1888 and has developed into a respected and established ACC football program. Over more than a century of competition, the Demon Deacons have built their identity through memorable seasons, conference achievements, bowl appearances, and a strong connection with their fans.
From its early beginnings in North Carolina to the modern era of college football, Wake Forest has maintained a proud and recognizable football tradition. This long history continues to shape the program’s identity, providing a foundation of tradition and experience 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 won two ACC football championships, claiming conference titles in 1970 and 2006. The 2006 season remains one of the most memorable in program history, with the Demon Deacons setting a school record with 11 wins before defeating Georgia Tech 9–6 in the ACC Championship Game.
Wake Forest also has a long bowl history, beginning with its appearance in the 1946 Gator Bowl. Throughout the years, postseason bowl games have given the Demon Deacons opportunities to compete against teams from outside their regular conference schedule. These appearances have produced memorable moments and contributed to the program’s overall football legacy.
Important Rivalries
Duke, NC State, and North Carolina have long been familiar opponents in Wake Forest football. These matchups attract extra attention because of the schools’ geographic proximity, shared conference history, and decades of competition against one another. Their regular meetings have helped make these games an important part of Wake Forest’s football tradition.
The 2026 schedule continues that tradition with games against NC State and Duke. These rivalry games often bring added excitement for fans and can carry greater significance during the regular season. As a result, they remain among the matchups that Wake Forest supporters look forward to most each year.
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 a useful starting point for fans who want the latest information about upcoming games. It includes key details such as opponents, dates, venues, kickoff times, and available television coverage, helping supporters plan for both home and away matchups throughout the season.
Fans should avoid relying only on older schedule articles or third-party listings because game details can change as the season progresses. Kickoff times and broadcast information may be updated, so checking the official schedule regularly is the best way to stay current and avoid missing important changes.
Follow Scores and Team News
Wake Forest fans can follow game results, player performances, roster changes, coaching updates, and other team news through Wake Forest Athletics. Keeping up with official updates allows supporters to stay informed about the program before, during, and after each game throughout the season.
Official updates are particularly useful when injuries, depth-chart changes, or broadcast information affect an upcoming matchup. By checking the latest team news regularly, fans can stay current with important developments and better understand how the Wake Forest football season is unfolding.
Watch for Schedule Changes
Kickoff times and television coverage are not always finalized when the full Wake Forest football schedule is first released. For the 2026 season, Wake Forest later confirmed the kickoff times and broadcast networks for its opening three games against Akron, Purdue, and Miami.
Since game details can be adjusted closer to each matchup, fans should check the official schedule regularly as game day gets closer. Staying updated is especially important when planning travel, buying tickets, or deciding how and where to watch the game. Regularly checking for changes can help fans avoid missing important schedule or broadcast updates.
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 brings several important storylines for Wake Forest football following the program’s successful 2025 campaign. The Demon Deacons will aim to build on that progress while continuing to develop their roster and compete through a demanding college football schedule. Strong and consistent performances in these areas will be important as the team continues moving forward under head coach Jake Dickert.
How well Wake Forest manages its schedule, develops its players, and maintains consistency throughout the season will shape the program’s progress in 2026. With another year under Dickert’s leadership, the Demon Deacons can build on the foundation established last season and continue working toward stronger results in the future.
Can Wake Forest Build on Its 2025 Success?
Wake Forest enters the 2026 season after finishing 9–4 and earning a Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory during the 2025 campaign. The strong season gave the Demon Deacons valuable momentum and provided head coach Jake Dickert with a positive foundation for his tenure. The next challenge will be building on that early progress and producing consistent performances throughout the full 2026 season.
To continue that progress, Wake Forest will need to perform well both at home and on the road. Strong preparation, fewer mistakes, and steady performances against ACC opponents will be important as the Demon Deacons work to build on their 2025 results and take another step forward in 2026.
How Will the New-Look Roster Perform?
Roster development will be another key storyline for Wake Forest football during the 2026 season. With a combination of returning players, transfer additions, and emerging talent, the Demon Deacons have several players who could take on larger roles. Experienced contributors such as Gio Lopez, KD Daniels, Deuce Blades II, and Kam Shanks can provide valuable continuity as the team prepares for another demanding season.
The coaching staff will need to bring that individual talent together into a balanced and dependable team. Developing strong depth across each position, helping younger players progress, and making adjustments as the season unfolds will all be important. These factors could become particularly valuable as the Demon Deacons prepare to compete against a wide range of ACC offenses and defenses throughout 2026.
Can Wake Forest Compete in Key ACC Matchups?
Wake Forest’s 2026 schedule includes conference matchups against Louisville, NC State, Cal, Virginia, SMU, Georgia Tech, and Duke. Each opponent presents a different challenge, and certain stretches of the ACC schedule could test the Demon Deacons’ preparation, consistency, and ability to perform throughout the season.
Instead of looking only at projected wins and losses, fans can evaluate Wake Forest’s progress by following how the team performs against these conference opponents. Results in close games, road matchups, and important ACC contests can provide useful insight into the team’s development and overall progress during 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 enters the 2026 season with positive momentum after finishing 9–4 and earning a Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory in 2025. With Jake Dickert heading into his second season as head coach, the Demon Deacons will aim to build on that foundation while handling increased expectations and bringing together returning players, transfer additions, and new talent.
The 2026 college football schedule includes six home games and six road contests, featuring notable matchups against Miami, NC State, SMU, Georgia Tech, and Duke. Fans should follow official Wake Forest Athletics updates for the latest information on the schedule, roster, tickets, kickoff times, and television coverage as the season progresses.
