Wake Forest Demon Deacons is 0-0 on the season, 0-0 against the spread, and holds a power rating of +3.9. Wake Forest Demon Deacons enters the season with a power rating of +3.9, placing them above average relative to the FBS midpoint. The Wake Forest Demon Deacons host Akron next in Week 1. In 2025, Wake Forest Demon Deacons went 8-4 overall, 8-4 against the spread, and 7-5 on totals.
In Week 0 of 2026 the Wake Forest Demon Deacons Power Rating of +3.9 is 3.7 points above the FBS average according to Blue Chip Analytics. Wake Forest Demon Deacons have logged 0 miles of travel so far, out of a season total of 8,907 miles, ranking 43th heaviest in the FBS.
| Week | Opponent | Distance | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | — | Bye | |
| Week 1 | Akron | Home | 0 mi |
| Week 2 | Purdue | 468 mi | 936 mi |
| Week 3 | Miami | Home | 936 mi |
| Week 4 | Louisville | 336 mi | 1,608 mi |
| Week 5 | Stanford | Home | 1,608 mi |
| Week 6 | NC State | 89 mi | 1,786 mi |
| Week 7 | California | 2,306 mi | 6,398 mi |
| Week 8 | — | Bye | |
| Week 9 | Virginia | Home | 6,398 mi |
| Week 10 | Merrimack | Home | 6,398 mi |
| Week 11 | SMU | 969 mi | 8,336 mi |
| Week 12 | Georgia Tech | 286 mi | 8,907 mi |
| Week 13 | Duke | Home | 8,907 mi |
| Week 14 | — | Bye | |
| Week 15 | — | Bye | |
| Week 16 | — | Bye | |
The season hinges on Gio Lopez reuniting with offensive coordinator Rob Ezell, who previously guided him to over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns at South Alabama in 2024. After a rocky stint at North Carolina, Lopez must recapture that form. The offensive line, anchored by Clinton Richard, is a work in progress, and the receiving corps is almost entirely new with transfers Ny Carr, Chase Tyler, Wondame Davis Jr., and Kam Shanks providing speed and potential. The running game also faces a rebuild after losing Demond Claiborne.
Wake Forest's defense was the backbone of last year's nine-win season and returns both starting ends, Gabe Kirschke and Langston Hardy, who combined for 12 sacks and 26 tackles for loss. The defensive line and linebacker spots have ample experience, and nickel back Davaughn Patterson is a rising star. The secondary must replace two cornerbacks, but the return of safety Rushaun Tongue from injury helps offset the loss of Nick Andersen.
Kicker Connor Calvert was excellent as a redshirt freshman, making 18 of 22 field goals including a walk-off winner against SMU. Punting was a glaring weakness last year, and Australian Ethan Hyams is expected to solidify that spot. The return game remains dynamic with multiple options, even after losing Chris Barnes.
Under head coach Jake Dickert, Wake Forest won nine games in his first season, more than the previous two seasons combined. The program has invested heavily in facilities and NIL, allowing it to compete financially with larger programs. An opposing ACC assistant noted that the team's third-string players can earn $150K, and the coaching staff is highly regarded for its energy and genuineness.
Wake Forest has the pieces to grind out close wins, especially with a reliable defense. The biggest variable is whether Lopez can avoid the erratic play that plagued him at North Carolina. If the offensive line gels and the new receivers produce, the Deacons could match or exceed last year's nine wins. The schedule includes a favorable opener against Akron, but the ACC slate will test their depth and consistency.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons is 0-0 against the spread in the 2026 season.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons holds a Blue Chip Analytics power rating of +3.9, representing their expected point margin against an average FBS team on a neutral field.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons's home field advantage rating is 2.5 points, the venue adjustment Blue Chip Analytics applies for games at their home stadium.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons travels 8,907 miles in the 2026 season, ranking 43th heaviest in the FBS.
Cumulative travel distance counts both the outbound and return journey for every away game. For example, if a team travels 374 miles to play an away game, Blue Chip Analytics counts 748 miles (374 miles there, 374 miles back) toward the cumulative total. Home games and bye weeks add zero miles. The per-week Distance column shows the one-way distance only, as the return trip happens after the game is played.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons: 0-0 overall, 0-0 ATS, power rating +3.9.
