Wake Forest’s main concern entering 2026 was replacing leading rusher Demond Claiborne. 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 as offensive coordinator for his second season, while North Carolina transfer Gio Lopez takes over as starting quarterback. Update (Oct. 14): Lopez has established himself as the starter, throwing for 303 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown against NC State on October 10. His performance earned him recognition on the Davey O’Brien Great 8 list. Ty Clark returns as the starting running back, and Florida transfer K.D. Daniels joins the backfield. Update (Oct. 14): Deuce Lawrence has emerged as another contributor in the running back rotation, leading Wake Forest with 46 rushing yards against NC State. 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. Update (Oct. 14): Hernandez has emerged as a major downfield threat and was added to the Biletnikoff Award watch list. Jack Foley has also become a significant receiving option, recording eight catches for 156 yards and a touchdown against NC State. The offensive line features several new starters, with George Stith bringing the most returning experience after starting eight games last season. Clinton Richard also returns after starting four of his five games 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 return as full-time starters up front, while Zach Lohavichan adds significant experience after 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. Update (Oct. 14): Hardy recorded eight tackles, two tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks against NC State, while Wake Forest’s defense held the Wolfpack to just 15 rushing yards.

Wake Forest entered 2026 with its main concern being offensive turnovers, though it returned significant defensive experience, particularly up front, with its entire starting group back. Nick Whitworth returns as special teams coordinator, with Connor Calvert back at placekicker and Ethan Hyams handling punting. Carlos Hernandez returns as the primary punt returner after returning a punt for a touchdown last season. Koredell Bartley handles kickoff returns after returning a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in Wake Forest’s bowl game.