Saturday, November 22
Winston-Salem, N.C.
12 p.m.
Wake Forest University
8-3 , 4-3
52
vs
14
Delaware
5-6 , 3-4
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
F
Delaware
0
7
0
7
14
Wake Forest
15
20
14
3
52
Wake Forest Cap Historic Home Season with 52-14 Senior Day Victory
11/22/2025 4:11:00 PM | Football
With eight victories in 2025, the Demon Deacons stand as the winningest Power 4 program in the Carolinas. Head coach Jake Dickert also secured his eighth win in his debut season, setting a new Wake Forest record for most wins by a first-year head coach.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – On Senior Day at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, the 2025 edition of Wake Forest football (8-3, 4-3 ACC) became the 11th team in program history to reach eight or more wins following a 52-14 victory over Delaware (5-6, 3-4 C-USA). Additionally on Saturday, Wake Forest Athletics honored 31 football players, 19 members of the Spirit of the Old Gold & Black, 18 Deacs from the Spirit Squads and two student staffers.
With eight victories in 2025, the Demon Deacons stand as the winningest Power 4 program in the Carolinas. Head coach Jake Dickert also secured his eighth win in his debut season, setting a new Wake Forest record for most wins by a first-year head coach.
The Deacs recorded more than 577 yards of total offense, led by 263 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns from junior wide receiver Carlos Hernandez. The Alhambra, Calif.-native hauled in a program-best 93-yard reception to power the Demon Deacon offense.
In the air, three different Deacs hauled in receiving touchdowns as redshirt senior quarterback Robby Ashford finished with 314 passing yards in addition to 64 yards on the ground. Specifically through the air, Hernandez paced the Deacs passing attack as he totaled 197 receiving yards, which was the third most in a single game in school history.
Defensively, the Deacs held the Blue Hens to only 67 yards rushing, well below their season average of 110.8 yards per game. The vaunted Wake Forest defense also totaled six tackles-for-loss and two sacks. Not to be overshadowed, Wake's special teams turned in another game changing play on Saturday with a forced fumble and recovery in a kickoff.
Next up, Wake Forest will face off with Duke on Saturday, Nov. 29 at Wallace Wade Stadium. Kickoff time being announced at a later time. Looking ahead, the Demon Deacons are going bowling for the eighth time since 2016. Deacon Nation can click here for more bowl information. Additional ticket and fan event and travel information will be shared on Sunday, Dec. 7 when Wake Forest's bowl destination is selected. Wake Forest Bowl merchandise will be made available on WakeForestShop.com as it becomes available and fans can shop there for all the latest Demon Deacons gear too!
As Wake Forest football closed the book on its home season on Nov. 22, there is no better time to reserve your spot for the much-anticipated 2026 season as season ticket deposits for home games at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium are now available, which includes a limited number of new $99 full-season Built in the Dark ticket plans are available through the Demon Deacon's December bowl game.
HOW IT HAPPENED
"First off, just proud of our football team. Starting with the seniors, our guys had a high passion level to go out and play for these guys. All 31 of them, I thought, left it out on the field. I said it before the game, they won't remember the score – they'll remember how they feel walking out of this locker room. I said in the postgame out there on the field, so many of these guys, they decided to put the stake in the ground and say, 'I want to be a Demon Deacon, and I want to see this all the way through,' before they entrusted us to come here, wherever they came from, whether it was with us at Washington State or elsewhere. I was really proud of those guys, and this moment wouldn't be happening without them. That was a dominating win in all three phases. Our guys had the right mentality and they fought for this type of standard really for the last 11 months. So excited to get the learns, our B.E.S.T is still out there. Big rivalry game to finish the regular season. Thankful for that stadium. Thankful for the people that support us, thankful for the fans, the students. You know, it means a lot to me as we keep building this program, we need every one of you. So thanks to you guys. That's a big statement, on senior night and exactly what we thought we were capable of doing."
UP NEXT
Next up, Wake Forest will face off with Duke on Saturday, Nov. 29 at Wallace Wade Stadium. Kickoff time being announced at a later time. Looking ahead, the Demon Deacons are going bowling for the eighth time since 2016. Deacon Nation can click here for more bowl information. Additional ticket and fan event and travel information will be shared on Sunday, Dec. 7 when Wake Forest's bowl destination is selected. Wake Forest Bowl merchandise will be made available on WakeForestShop.com as it becomes available and fans can shop there for all the latest Demon Deacons gear too!
As Wake Forest football closed the book on its home season on Nov. 22, there is no better time to reserve your spot for the much-anticipated 2026 season as season ticket deposits for home games at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium are now available, which includes a limited number of new $99 full-season Built in the Dark ticket plans are available through the Demon Deacon's December bowl game.
With eight victories in 2025, the Demon Deacons stand as the winningest Power 4 program in the Carolinas. Head coach Jake Dickert also secured his eighth win in his debut season, setting a new Wake Forest record for most wins by a first-year head coach.
The Deacs recorded more than 577 yards of total offense, led by 263 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns from junior wide receiver Carlos Hernandez. The Alhambra, Calif.-native hauled in a program-best 93-yard reception to power the Demon Deacon offense.
In the air, three different Deacs hauled in receiving touchdowns as redshirt senior quarterback Robby Ashford finished with 314 passing yards in addition to 64 yards on the ground. Specifically through the air, Hernandez paced the Deacs passing attack as he totaled 197 receiving yards, which was the third most in a single game in school history.
Defensively, the Deacs held the Blue Hens to only 67 yards rushing, well below their season average of 110.8 yards per game. The vaunted Wake Forest defense also totaled six tackles-for-loss and two sacks. Not to be overshadowed, Wake's special teams turned in another game changing play on Saturday with a forced fumble and recovery in a kickoff.
Next up, Wake Forest will face off with Duke on Saturday, Nov. 29 at Wallace Wade Stadium. Kickoff time being announced at a later time. Looking ahead, the Demon Deacons are going bowling for the eighth time since 2016. Deacon Nation can click here for more bowl information. Additional ticket and fan event and travel information will be shared on Sunday, Dec. 7 when Wake Forest's bowl destination is selected. Wake Forest Bowl merchandise will be made available on WakeForestShop.com as it becomes available and fans can shop there for all the latest Demon Deacons gear too!
As Wake Forest football closed the book on its home season on Nov. 22, there is no better time to reserve your spot for the much-anticipated 2026 season as season ticket deposits for home games at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium are now available, which includes a limited number of new $99 full-season Built in the Dark ticket plans are available through the Demon Deacon's December bowl game.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Wake Forest was clinical in its first offensive drive, marching 84 yards over 15 plays. Senior running back Demond Claiborne capped the drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown up the gut.
- Redshirt-sophomore running back Ty Clark had a pair of rushes over 10 yards on the opening drive to help sustain the drive.
- Defensively, the Demon Deacons forced a three-and-out on the second drive, thanks in part to a nice stop in the open field by senior defensive back Nick Andersen on second down.
- Redshirt-senior quarterback Robbie Ashford picked up a crucial six-yard scramble on fourth down en route to the Deacs' second touchdown of the day. Clark punched it in from 13 yards out to extend Wake Forest's lead.
- Redshirt-senior wide receiver Sawyer Racanelli ran in the two-point conversion to make the score 15-0.
- Delaware got on the board after a swing pass to the running back went for a 43-yard touchdown. 15-7 Wake Forest.
- Ashford took off for a 43-yard scramble on third and nine to put the Deacs inside Delaware's 30.
- Redshirt-freshman kicker Connor Calvert drilled a 44-yard kick to extend the lead to 11.
- Redshirt-junior defensive end Nuer Gatkouth recorded the first sack of the game for either team, forcing Delaware's fourth punt of the day.
- Redshirt-freshman wide receiver Chris Barnes took a lateral 78 yards on the first play of the drive to set up the Deacs inside the Delaware 15.
- Shortly after, Ashford hit paydirt on a delayed draw. Calvert's extra point made it 25-7, Deacs.
- On the ensuing kick, linebacker Whittman Whaley recovered the ball after it was muffed by the Delaware returner.
- Calvert made a 44-yarder to make the score 28-7 in favor of the Demon Deacons.
- After a Delaware interception, Wake Forest's defense came up big yet again, forcing another turnover.
- Redshirt-senior corner back Karon Prunty forced the Blue Hen fumble with redshirt-senior defensive lineman Jayden Loving there for the recovery.
- The Deacs took a commanding 35-7 lead into the half after Ashford found junior wide receiver Carlos Hernandez down the seam for a 79-yard touchdown late in the second quarter.
- Ashford found redshirt-senior wide receiver Sterling Berkhalter for a 19-yard score on a back-shoulder ball.
- Wake Forest extended the lead to 42-7, tying its season high in points (42-10 vs. Western Carolina).
- Hernandez reeled in an impressive catch on a play-action crossing route and took off for a 93-yard touchdown. Ashford recorded his third passing touchdown of the afternoon.
- With 49 points on the day, the Demon Deacons set a season-high in points.
- Calvert logged his longest field goal of the day of the afternoon at 47-yards to extend the Deacs' lead to 52-7.
- The Blue Hens responded to make it 52-14.
- Wake Forest held off a final Delaware scoring attempt to defeat the Hens, 52-14.
- This year's senior class is one of the winningest classes in program history. The five-year win total of 35 victories ranks fifth in program history:
- 38 (2017-21)
- 37 (2018-22)
- 36 (2004-08 & 2006-10)
- 35 (2021-25)
- 35 (2019-23)
- 34 (2016-20)
- 33 (2015-19)
- 31 (2020-24 & 1944-48)
- 30 (1940-44)
- Senior Standouts:
- QB Robbie Ashford dazzled in his first career four-touchdown performance, throwing for three and rushing for another.
- Final line– Passing: 15-22, 292 yards and three touchdowns.
- Rushing: eight rushes, 64 yards, one touchdown.
- CB Karon Prunty finished with three tackles, one TFL and a forced fumble in addition to his terrific coverage on the day.
- WR Sterling Berkhalter caught his second touchdown pass of the season with a 19-yard reception. Overall for the game, he tallied 42 yards on a pair of catches with that aforementioned score.
- QB Robbie Ashford dazzled in his first career four-touchdown performance, throwing for three and rushing for another.
- Other Notable Performances
- Junior Carlos Hernandez had another huge day offensively. The wideout finished his afternoon with five receptions, 197 receiving yards and two touchdowns. That total is the third-highest mark for a single game in program history.
- He surpassed his previous career high against the Tar Heels with 202 all-purpose yards versus Delaware.
- After recording 181 yards against Virginia, the Alhambra, Calif., native notched the longest reception in school history with a 93-yard score Saturday.
- Hernandez got his name on the scoreboard with a 79-yard reception for a touchdown late in the second quarter.
- Redshirt junior defensive end Langston Hardy led the Deacs with 1.5 TFLs in addition to five total tackles and half a sack.
- Redshirt freshman placekicker Connor Calvert was perfect on the day. He made all three of his field goals, all of which from 40 yards out or further (3/3 FGs: 44, 44, 47).
- The Demon Deacons have now won eight games during the 2025 season and are the winningest Power 4 program in the Carolinas and are tied with East Carolina as the winningest FBS team in the Carolinas.
- Records of North & South Carolina FBS Programs:
- Wake Forest: 8-3 (ACC)
- East Carolina: 7-3 (American)
- Coastal Carolina: 6-4 (Sun Belt)
- NC State: 6-5 (ACC)
- Duke: 5-5 (ACC)
- Clemson Tigers: 5-5 (ACC)
- North Carolina: 4-6 (ACC)
- Appalachian State: 4-6 (Sun Belt)
- South Carolina: 3-7 (SEC)
- Charlotte 49ers: 1-9 (American)
- Records of North & South Carolina FBS Programs:
- With the win against Delaware, head coach Jake Dickert earned his eighth win in his first season at Wake Forest, becoming the winningest first-year head coach in program history:
- 1. Jake Dickert (2025) - 8
- 2. 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
- 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 *
- 9 – Dan Mullen, UNLV
- 8 – Jake Dickert, Wake Forest
- 7 – Charles Huff, Southern Miss
- 7 – Jason Eck, New Mexico
- 7 – Jerry Mack, Kennesaw State
- 7 - Charles Kelly, Jacksonville State
- 7 – Matt Entz, Fresno State
- 7 – Matt Drinkall, Central Michigan
- 2025 FBS First-Year Head Coaches – Most Victories *
"First off, just proud of our football team. Starting with the seniors, our guys had a high passion level to go out and play for these guys. All 31 of them, I thought, left it out on the field. I said it before the game, they won't remember the score – they'll remember how they feel walking out of this locker room. I said in the postgame out there on the field, so many of these guys, they decided to put the stake in the ground and say, 'I want to be a Demon Deacon, and I want to see this all the way through,' before they entrusted us to come here, wherever they came from, whether it was with us at Washington State or elsewhere. I was really proud of those guys, and this moment wouldn't be happening without them. That was a dominating win in all three phases. Our guys had the right mentality and they fought for this type of standard really for the last 11 months. So excited to get the learns, our B.E.S.T is still out there. Big rivalry game to finish the regular season. Thankful for that stadium. Thankful for the people that support us, thankful for the fans, the students. You know, it means a lot to me as we keep building this program, we need every one of you. So thanks to you guys. That's a big statement, on senior night and exactly what we thought we were capable of doing."
UP NEXT
Next up, Wake Forest will face off with Duke on Saturday, Nov. 29 at Wallace Wade Stadium. Kickoff time being announced at a later time. Looking ahead, the Demon Deacons are going bowling for the eighth time since 2016. Deacon Nation can click here for more bowl information. Additional ticket and fan event and travel information will be shared on Sunday, Dec. 7 when Wake Forest's bowl destination is selected. Wake Forest Bowl merchandise will be made available on WakeForestShop.com as it becomes available and fans can shop there for all the latest Demon Deacons gear too!
As Wake Forest football closed the book on its home season on Nov. 22, there is no better time to reserve your spot for the much-anticipated 2026 season as season ticket deposits for home games at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium are now available, which includes a limited number of new $99 full-season Built in the Dark ticket plans are available through the Demon Deacon's December bowl game.
Team Stats
DEL
WFU
Total Yards
300
577
Pass Yards
233
314
Rushing Yards
67
263
Penalty Yards
25
40
1st Downs
19
21
3rd Downs
8
6
4th Downs
3
2
TOP
33:08
26:52
1st Quarter
DEL 0, WFU 7
WFU - Claiborne,Demond 1 yd run (Calvert,Connor kick), 15 plays, 84 yards, TOP 05:58
DEL 0, WFU 15
WFU - Clark,Ty 13 yd run (Racanelli,Sawyer rush), 9 plays, 59 yards, TOP 03:29
2nd Quarter
DEL 7, WFU 15
DEL - Ellison Jr.,Viron 43 yd pass from Minicucci,Nick (Reed,Nate kick) 10 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:26
DEL 7, WFU 18
WFU - Calvert,Connor 44 yd field goal 7 plays, 48 yards, TOP 03:07
DEL 7, WFU 25
WFU - Ashford,Robby 4 yd run (Calvert,Connor kick), 4 plays, 88 yards, TOP 01:25
DEL 7, WFU 28
WFU - Calvert,Connor 44 yd field goal 5 plays, -8 yards, TOP 02:19
DEL 7, WFU 35
WFU - Hernandez,Carlos 79 yd pass from Ashford,Robby (Dennis,Matthew kick) 1 plays, 79 yards, TOP 00:10
3rd Quarter
DEL 7, WFU 42
WFU - Berkhalter,Sterling 19 yd pass from Ashford,Robby (Dennis,Matthew kick) 8 plays, 80 yards, TOP 04:49
DEL 7, WFU 49
WFU - Hernandez,Carlos 93 yd pass from Ashford,Robby (Dennis,Matthew kick) 2 plays, 92 yards, TOP 00:44
4th Quarter
DEL 7, WFU 52
WFU - Calvert,Connor 47 yd field goal 8 plays, 33 yards, TOP 03:10
DEL 14, WFU 52
DEL - Patterson,Max 25 yd pass from Streeter,Braden (Reed,Nate kick) 13 plays, 82 yards, TOP 06:41
Game Leaders
CMP
15
TD
3
YDS
292
INT
1
CMP
1
TD
0
YDS
22
INT
1
Players Mentioned
DB
/ FootballQB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
WR
/ Football
K
/ Football
RB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
WR
/ Football
DL
/ Football
DB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
LB
/ FootballCarlos Hernandez catches his 2nd TD of the day
Saturday, November 22
Carlos Hernandez 79-yard TD reception
Saturday, November 22
Robby Ashford makes multiple defenders miss and gets the TD
Saturday, November 22
Wake Forest Women's Basketball Highlights vs NC Central (Nov. 20, 2025)
Friday, November 21