Wake Forest must replace leading rusher Demond Claiborne, making that the main concern entering 2026. The Demon Deacons finished 9-4 overall and 4-4 in ACC play in 2025, and Jake Dickert returns for his second season. Rob Ezell also returns for his second season as offensive coordinator, while North Carolina transfer Gio Lopez takes over as the starting quarterback. Ty Clark returns as the starting running back, and Florida transfer K.D. Daniels joins the backfield. Carlos Hernandez returns after leading the Demon Deacons with 40 receptions for 611 yards last season, while Louisville transfer Antonio Meeks joins the receiving corps after making 17 catches in 2025. Arkansas transfer Kam Shanks also joins the group. The offensive line features several new starters, with George Stith providing the most returning experience after making eight starts last season. Clinton Richard also returns after starting four of the five games he played in 2025.

Wake Forest returns its entire starting defensive front, and Scottie Hazelton is back as defensive coordinator. Five of its top eleven tacklers also return despite losing leading tackler Nick Andersen. Davaughn Patterson, Aiden Hall, Langston Hardy, and Braylon Johnson return as full-time starters, while Frank Cusano also returns after finishing seventh on the team in tackles despite not starting. Gabe Kirschke, Dallas Afalava, and Hardy are back as full-time starters up front, while Zach Lohavichan adds significant experience after making nine starts last season. Patterson and Johnson return as full-time starters in the secondary, while Travon West adds significant starting experience after making six starts.

Wake Forest enters 2026 with considerable offensive turnover but returns significant defensive experience, particularly along the front, with its entire starting group back. Nick Whitworth returns as special teams coordinator, with Connor Calvert back at placekicker and Ethan Hyams handling the punting duties. Carlos Hernandez returns as the primary punt returner after returning a punt for a touchdown last season, while Koredell Bartley handles kickoff returns after returning a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in Wake Forest’s bowl game.