Saturday, November 15
Winston-Salem, N.C.
4:30 p.m.
Wake Forest University
7-3 , 4-3
28
vs
12
North Carolina
4-6 , 2-4
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
F
North Carolina
0
6
3
3
12
Wake Forest
7
7
7
7
28
Wake Forest Earns Big-4 Win over North Carolina, 28-12
11/15/2025 9:02:00 PM | Football
Since 2001, Wake Forest football has been the best football program in the state of North Carolina as the Demon Deacons boast an overall record of 49-30 (.620) against all in-state opponents. The Deacs lead in win percentage in this category among its Big Four rivals.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Led by a pair of touchdowns and a career-high 181 all-purpose yards from junior Carlos Hernandez, Wake Forest (7-3, 4-3 ACC) grabbed its first Big-4 win of the Jake Dickert era against North Carolina (4-6, 2-4 ACC) 28-12 on Saturday night in front of a sold out crowd at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Coach Dickert's seven-win total is tied for the most by a first year head coach in program history (Bill Dooley, 1987).
Since 2001, Wake Forest football has been the best football program in the state of North Carolina as the Demon Deacons boast an overall record of 49-30 (.620) against all in-state opponents. The Deacs lead in win percentage in this category among its Big Four rivals.
Hernandez led the way for the Demon Deacons offense against the Tar Heels as he scored a pair of touchdowns, including a 51-yard fumble recovery and a 70-yard touchdown pass off a flea-flicker by quarterback Robby Ashford. The Alhambria, Calif., native finished the game with a team-high six catches and 100 yards.
Ashford and senior Demond Claiborne both added a touchdown run as the Deacs ran for 223 yards, marking their third 200-yard rushing game of the season. Claiborne ended the game with 98 yards, as well as two catches for 12 yards. Meanwhile, Ashford connected on 15 passes for 191 yards and he accounted for a pair of scores (one passing, one rushing).
Defensively, the Demon Deacons held the Tar Heels to only 56 yards rushing, well below their season average of 115 yards per game. Additionally, the Deacs became the first team to keep the North Carolina offense out of the end zone since 2016.
Junior linebacker Aiden Hall led the team with nine tackles with five solo efforts and a tackle-for-loss.
One more chance remains for fans to see the Deacs at Allegacy Stadium this fall with the season finale on Saturday, Nov. 22, against Delaware at 12 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ACC Network. The matchup will be just the third in series history and the first since the Deacs beat the Blue Hens 38-21 on September 17, 2016. Next Saturday's game will serve as the Demon Deacons annual Senior Day Game. Additionally, next Saturday's game will be the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Educator Celebration Game for Wake Forest. Partnering with community-minded organizations — Allegacy Federal Credit Union, Proof of the Pudding, Pepsi, and Inmar Intelligence — Wake Forest will provide 3,000 sponsored packages for WSFCS teachers, staff, and their families. Each package includes a game ticket, complimentary stadium meal, parking, and a celebratory T-shirt, offering these dedicated educators a well-deserved day together inside Allegacy Stadium. This initiative also underscores the broader community effort to support and uplift Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools as they navigate current financial challenges.
HOW IT HAPPENED
"What an unbelievable performance by our team. There was a lot of good, hard work. I told them at halftime, 'We didn't prepare this week to play 30 minutes, we prepared to play 60.' I thought that was a dominant fourth quarter with a lot of physicality and I thought our mentality took over. I'm really proud of our locker room. I said it on Monday, and I said it during the press conference on Wednesday, I've felt the passion of this game all the way through. This game meant something to us. Even Nick Andersen told me how this game just meant a little more. So that is what we said. We said, 'Let's get a little more effort, restraint, focus, discipline and execution.' Our guys went out there and made big plays. I'm really proud of Robby Ashford and our offensive line. Our defense is completely lights out, especially in the red zone. I'm just really proud of our football team and want to enjoy this win."
UP NEXT
One more chance remains for fans to see the Deacs at Allegacy Stadium this fall with the season finale on Saturday, Nov. 22, against Delaware at 12 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ACC Network. The matchup will be just the third in series history and the first since the Deacs beat the Blue Hens 38-21 on September 17, 2016. Next Saturday's game will serve as the Demon Deacons annual Senior Day Game. Additionally, next Saturday's game will be the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Educator Celebration Game for Wake Forest. Partnering with community-minded organizations — Allegacy Federal Credit Union, Proof of the Pudding, Pepsi, and Inmar Intelligence — Wake Forest will provide 3,000 sponsored packages for WSFCS teachers, staff, and their families. Each package includes a game ticket, complimentary stadium meal, parking, and a celebratory T-shirt, offering these dedicated educators a well-deserved day together inside Allegacy Stadium. This initiative also underscores the broader community effort to support and uplift Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools as they navigate current financial challenges.
With Wake Forest already achieving six wins, Deacon Nation can click here for more bowl information. Additional details on tickets, fan events and travel opportunities will be shared Sunday, Dec. 7, when Wake Forest's bowl destination is announced.
Since 2001, Wake Forest football has been the best football program in the state of North Carolina as the Demon Deacons boast an overall record of 49-30 (.620) against all in-state opponents. The Deacs lead in win percentage in this category among its Big Four rivals.
Hernandez led the way for the Demon Deacons offense against the Tar Heels as he scored a pair of touchdowns, including a 51-yard fumble recovery and a 70-yard touchdown pass off a flea-flicker by quarterback Robby Ashford. The Alhambria, Calif., native finished the game with a team-high six catches and 100 yards.
Ashford and senior Demond Claiborne both added a touchdown run as the Deacs ran for 223 yards, marking their third 200-yard rushing game of the season. Claiborne ended the game with 98 yards, as well as two catches for 12 yards. Meanwhile, Ashford connected on 15 passes for 191 yards and he accounted for a pair of scores (one passing, one rushing).
Defensively, the Demon Deacons held the Tar Heels to only 56 yards rushing, well below their season average of 115 yards per game. Additionally, the Deacs became the first team to keep the North Carolina offense out of the end zone since 2016.
Junior linebacker Aiden Hall led the team with nine tackles with five solo efforts and a tackle-for-loss.
One more chance remains for fans to see the Deacs at Allegacy Stadium this fall with the season finale on Saturday, Nov. 22, against Delaware at 12 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ACC Network. The matchup will be just the third in series history and the first since the Deacs beat the Blue Hens 38-21 on September 17, 2016. Next Saturday's game will serve as the Demon Deacons annual Senior Day Game. Additionally, next Saturday's game will be the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Educator Celebration Game for Wake Forest. Partnering with community-minded organizations — Allegacy Federal Credit Union, Proof of the Pudding, Pepsi, and Inmar Intelligence — Wake Forest will provide 3,000 sponsored packages for WSFCS teachers, staff, and their families. Each package includes a game ticket, complimentary stadium meal, parking, and a celebratory T-shirt, offering these dedicated educators a well-deserved day together inside Allegacy Stadium. This initiative also underscores the broader community effort to support and uplift Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools as they navigate current financial challenges.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Demon Deacons took the lead on the opening possession of the game.
- Wide receiver Carlos Hernandez made a heads up play as he recovered a fumble and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown.
- North Carolina made it 7-3 with a 40-yard field goal.
- Following a turnover, the Demon Deacon defense stood their ground as Nick Andersen blocked a UNC field goal attempt at the 7:27 mark in the second quarter to keep it 7-3.
- The offense responded with a 13-play, 79-yard drive that was capped off by a 12-yard touchdown run by Demond Claiborne.
- Wake Forest ran off 5:40 off the clock as they extended the lead to 14-3.
- The Tar Heels added a field goal as time expired to make it 14-6 at the end of the first half.
- North Carolina connected on another field goal to make it 14-9 with 6:46 left in the third quarter.
- The Deacs responded immediately as Ashford found Hernandez on a flea-flicker for a 70-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 21-9.
- Hernandez logged 56 yards after the catch on the play.
- Wake Forest recorded their second blocked kick of the game as Mateen Igbirogba got a hand to a 45-yard field goal to keep it 21-9 heading into the fourth quarter.
- Nuer Gatkouth added his first sack of the game on third down to force the field goal attempt.
- The Tar Heels connected on another field goal to make it 21-12.
- Ashford added a rushing touchdown with 22 seconds left in the game to give Wake Forest a 28-12 lead.
- The Demon Deacons defeated the Tar Heels, 28-12.
- Junior Carlos Hernandez recorded a career-high 181 all-purpose yards to lead the Demon Deacon offense against the Tar Heels.
- After scoring the lone touchdown in the upset win last weekend against Virginia, the Alhambra, Calif., native added a pair of touchdowns on Saturday.
- Hernandez opened the game with a 51-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown in the first quarter.
- He later added a 70-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter, marking the longest touchdown reception since Ke'Shawn Williams' 75-yard touchdown against Army during the 2021 season.
- After scoring the lone touchdown in the upset win last weekend against Virginia, the Alhambra, Calif., native added a pair of touchdowns on Saturday.
- Since 2001, Wake Forest football has been the best football program in the state of North Carolina as the Demon Deacons boast an overall record of 50-29 (.633) against all in-state opponents. The Deacs lead in total victories and win percentage in this category among its Big Four rivals.
| Cumulative Record vs. In-State Opponents Since 2001 | ||
| 1. | Wake Forest | 50-29 (.633) |
| 2. | North Carolina | 51-32 (.614) |
| 2. | NC State | 46-31 (.597) |
| 3. | Duke | 36-39 (.480) |
- With the win against North Carolina, head coach Jake Dickert earned his seventh win in his first season at Wake Forest. The win now ties him for the most wins in program history by a first-year head coach:
- T1. Jake Dickert (2025) - 7
- T1. Bill Dooley (1987) - 7
- T3. Jim Grobe (2001) - 6
- T3. Tom Rogers (1951) - 6
- T3. F.S. "Pat" Miller (1929) - 6
- T3. Hank Garrity (1923) - 6
- T7. Bill Tate (1964) - 5
- T7. James Baldwin (1926) - 5
- Additionally, he has been one of the winningest first-year head coaches in the country this season:
- 2025 FBS First-Year Head Coaches – Most Victories *
- 7 – Jake Dickert, Wake Forest
- 7 – Charles Huff, Southern Miss
- 7 – Jason Eck, New Mexico
- 7 – Jerry Mack, Kennesaw State
- 7 – Dan Mullen, UNLV
- 6 – Matt Drinkall, Central Michigan
- 6 - Charles Kelly, Jacksonville State
- 6 – Matt Entz, Fresno State
- 5 – K.C. Keeler, Temple
- 2025 FBS First-Year Head Coaches – Most Victories *
"What an unbelievable performance by our team. There was a lot of good, hard work. I told them at halftime, 'We didn't prepare this week to play 30 minutes, we prepared to play 60.' I thought that was a dominant fourth quarter with a lot of physicality and I thought our mentality took over. I'm really proud of our locker room. I said it on Monday, and I said it during the press conference on Wednesday, I've felt the passion of this game all the way through. This game meant something to us. Even Nick Andersen told me how this game just meant a little more. So that is what we said. We said, 'Let's get a little more effort, restraint, focus, discipline and execution.' Our guys went out there and made big plays. I'm really proud of Robby Ashford and our offensive line. Our defense is completely lights out, especially in the red zone. I'm just really proud of our football team and want to enjoy this win."
UP NEXT
One more chance remains for fans to see the Deacs at Allegacy Stadium this fall with the season finale on Saturday, Nov. 22, against Delaware at 12 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ACC Network. The matchup will be just the third in series history and the first since the Deacs beat the Blue Hens 38-21 on September 17, 2016. Next Saturday's game will serve as the Demon Deacons annual Senior Day Game. Additionally, next Saturday's game will be the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Educator Celebration Game for Wake Forest. Partnering with community-minded organizations — Allegacy Federal Credit Union, Proof of the Pudding, Pepsi, and Inmar Intelligence — Wake Forest will provide 3,000 sponsored packages for WSFCS teachers, staff, and their families. Each package includes a game ticket, complimentary stadium meal, parking, and a celebratory T-shirt, offering these dedicated educators a well-deserved day together inside Allegacy Stadium. This initiative also underscores the broader community effort to support and uplift Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools as they navigate current financial challenges.
With Wake Forest already achieving six wins, Deacon Nation can click here for more bowl information. Additional details on tickets, fan events and travel opportunities will be shared Sunday, Dec. 7, when Wake Forest's bowl destination is announced.
Team Stats
UNC
WFU
Total Yards
257
414
Pass Yards
201
191
Rushing Yards
56
223
Penalty Yards
45
40
1st Downs
16
19
3rd Downs
4
6
4th Downs
1
2
TOP
30:02
29:58
1st Quarter
UNC 0, WFU 7
WFU - Hernandez,Carlos 51 yd run (Calvert,Connor kick), 5 plays, 75 yards, TOP 01:49
2nd Quarter
UNC 3, WFU 7
UNC - Verhoff,Rece 40 yd field goal 13 plays, 58 yards, TOP 07:37
UNC 3, WFU 14
WFU - Claiborne,Demond 12 yd run (Calvert,Connor kick), 13 plays, 79 yards, TOP 05:40
UNC 6, WFU 14
UNC - Verhoff,Rece 57 yd field goal 6 plays, 36 yards, TOP 01:47
3rd Quarter
UNC 9, WFU 14
UNC - Verhoff,Rece 42 yd field goal 6 plays, 43 yards, TOP 02:43
UNC 9, WFU 21
WFU - Hernandez,Carlos 70 yd pass from Ashford,Robby (Calvert,Connor kick) 2 plays, 75 yards, TOP 00:52
4th Quarter
UNC 12, WFU 21
UNC - Verhoff,Rece 47 yd field goal 6 plays, 41 yards, TOP 01:49
UNC 12, WFU 28
WFU - Ashford,Robby 2 yd run (Calvert,Connor kick), 10 plays, 55 yards, TOP 04:59
Game Leaders
CMP
15
TD
1
YDS
191
INT
0
Players Mentioned
DB
/ FootballQB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
WR
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Wake Forest Wide Receiver Carlos Hernandez Postgame Media vs. North Carolina (Nov. 15, 2025)
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Jake Dickert Press Conference vs. North Carolina (Nov. 15, 2025)
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