Jake Dickert returns for his second season after Wake Forest finished 9-4 overall and 4-4 in ACC play in 2025. Rob Ezell returns for his second season as offensive coordinator, while North Carolina transfer Gio Lopez joins the program at quarterback. Wake Forest must replace leading rusher Demond Claiborne, while Ty Clark returns 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 will feature 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.
Scottie Hazelton returns as defensive coordinator with Wake Forest bringing back five of its top eleven tacklers 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 making a start. Wake Forest returns its entire starting defensive front, with Gabe Kirschke, Dallas Afalava, and Hardy back as full-time starters 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.
Nick Whitworth returns as special teams coordinator with Connor Calvert back at placekicker. Carlos Hernandez returns with experience in the punt-return game after returning a punt for a touchdown last season, while Koredell Bartley provides an option on kickoff returns after returning a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in Wake Forest’s bowl game. The Demon Deacons will replace primary kickoff returner Chris Barnes. Wake Forest enters 2026 with considerable offensive turnover but returns significant experience throughout the defense, particularly along a defensive front that brings back its entire starting group.