Jake Dickert and his staff return after a solid 9-4 (4-4 ACC) debut season in Winston-Salem. The Demon Deacons are looking to climb out of the middle of the ACC pack and contend for a title. On offense, Rob Ezell returns for his 2nd season as offensive coordinator, with UNC transfer quarterback Gio Lopez penciled in as the starter. Ty Clark will look to make the jump into a starter role along with Florida transfer KD Daniels after the departure of top running back Demond Claiborne. Carlos Hernandez returns as the top receptions leader from a season ago, but the Demon Deacons will need to replace a lot of departed talent. They will try to do so with Louisville transfer Antonio Meeks and Arkansas transfer Kam Shanks. The offensive line will break in three to four new starters in 2026.

On defense, Scottie Hazelton returns as defensive coordinator. The Demon Deacons also return all four starters from their defensive line a season ago: Gabe Kirschke, Zach Lohavichan, Dallas Afalava, and Langston Hardy. Aiden Hall returns at linebacker, and leading tackler Davaughn Patterson leads a secondary that also returns Braylon Johnson and Travon West.

Special teams coordinator Nick Whitworth has Connor Calvert back as field goal kicker. Carlos Hernandez returns as the punt returner, where he scored a touchdown last year. The Demon Deacons will look for a new kick and punt returner after the departure of Chris Barnes. Kordell Bartley did have a kick return for a 100-yard touchdown last year in their bowl game. Wake Forest has plenty of new faces at the offensive skill positions, an undersized offensive line, and a new quarterback learning the system. The offensive line and quarterback situation are the main concerns, so the defense and special teams will need to carry the load early.