Photo by: Seth Seebaugh / Wake Forest Athletics
ACC, Wake Forest Announce Opponents for 2026 Season
12/16/2025 3:56:00 PM | Football
With multiple sellouts expected next fall inside Allegacy Stadium, the limited-time offer $99 ‘Built in the Dark’ season ticket package is the best way to lock in their seats for the 2026 season and it’s only available .
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Get excited, Deacon Nation! In conjunction with the Atlantic Coast Conference, Wake Forest University announced its conference opponents for the upcoming 2026 football season.
Beginning in 2026, the ACC will move toward a nine-game conference schedule, further strengthening league competition and national positioning. Wake Forest's 2026 slate reflects that enhanced model as the Demon Deacons will travel to Purdue for a huge B1G-ACC matchup on Sept. 12, which fulfills the ACC's Power 4 non-conference requirement.
The Demon Deacons will welcome several premier ACC opponents to Winston-Salem, including 2026 College Football Playoff qualifier Miami, 2025 ACC Championship Game participants Duke and Virginia, and Stanford, which will make just its second-ever visit to Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. The 2026 schedule also features a blend of historic rivalries and new destinations. Wake Forest will travel to California for the first time in program history and will visit Dallas to face SMU for the first time since 1949. Additional road trips include Georgia Tech — marking the Deacs' first game in Atlanta since 2017 — and Louisville, where Wake Forest will play for the first time since 2022.
Highlighting the away slate is the annual Big-4 rivalry at NC State, which remains the cornerstone of Wake Forest's conference schedule. Dating back to 1910, the series is the second-longest continuously played rivalry in FBS history, trailing only Wisconsin–Minnesota.
Meanwhile, the Deacs other two home non-conference games inside Allegacy Stadium will be against Merrimack on Nov. 7 and Opening Night at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium is set for Thursday, Sept. 3, when Wake hosts Akron as that game will launch another exciting fall of ACC football in Winston-Salem.
Coming off a historic 8-4 first season in the Jake Dickert era that included victories at No. 12 Virginia, an exhilarating last-second win against SMU on homecoming and a Big-4 win against North Carolina, the Deacs are currently preparing for the 2026 Duke's Mayo Bowl that will be played inside Bank of America in Charlotte on Jan. 2. Click here for ticket, pregame party and more information about the bowl and this is the right time to lock in your seats for next fall for what promises to be a thrilling season at Allegacy Stadium.
The ACC will release the full 2026 football schedule, including dates and kickoff times, in late January. Additional announcements regarding the complete non-conference schedule, Homecoming, Family Weekend, Unrivaled Weekend, and Senior Day will be made at later dates.
Fans are encouraged to tune into ACC PM on Tuesday, Dec. 16, for full coverage of the conference opponent release, and to listen to the ACC Football Podcast on Wednesday, Dec. 17, for additional analysis and insight.
2026 Wake Forest Opponents
Home
New $99 Season Ticket Option Available for Limited Time
As head coach Jake Dickert and the Deacs head to a bowl game after finishing with the winningest regular season in program history by a first year head coach at 8-4, there's no better time to lock in seats for the much-anticipated 2026 season at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Secure the fan-friendly $99 Built in the Dark ticket plans—available through the Deacs' December bowl game.
Built in the Dark season ticket packages purchased before the 'Deacs bowl game include:
2026 renewals are now available for football season ticket holders. Fans can renew by logging into their online accounts and accessing their renewal application, or by calling the ticket office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1.
Fans who renew prior to the bowl game will receive a head coach Jake Dickert bobblehead (one per account; two for accounts with four or more tickets).
Pricing for the 2026 season is available by clicking here. Fans may secure tickets through a convenient four-month payment plan if tickets are ordered by March 31st.
The deadline for becoming entered into the priority seat selection process is February 16th. All new or current season ticket holders will have the ability to participate in the priority seat selection process that will take place between February 23rd until March 6th. More information regarding the priority seat selection process will be sent to all season ticket holders closer to the start of the seat selection process. Season ticket orders placed after March 6th will be assigned into available seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
Annual Seat Rights Program Returns for the 2026 Season
Following record-setting crowds, sellouts, and one of the strongest home-field advantages in the ACC, the Annual Seat Rights Program continues to serve as an innovative way for fans to secure their preferred gameday experience while supporting enhancements that elevate the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina.
Lock In Your Seats
Fans who opt into the Annual Seat Rights Program guarantee their same seat location every season through an additional recurring per-seat annual fee.
Fans renewing football season tickets can add Annual Seat Rights directly inside their renewal application under:
The Annual Seat Rights Program offers two ways to participate:
Annual Seat Rights may be paid for at the time of season ticket purchase through a payment plan or a single up-front payment.
Why Seat Rights Matter
The Annual Seat Rights Program was developed in response to feedback from loyal Deacon fans who desire the certainty of renewing the same seats and sitting alongside friends and family without making a long-term, decade-plus commitment.
This program provides:
Wake Forest Athletics is enhancing The Best Fan Experience in North Carolina by introducing an online interactive seat selection process. Ticket holders who purchase season tickets by February 16th may view and select their seats in a 3D interactive map and will be assigned a priority time based on participation in the Annual Seat Rights Program and their Deacon Club rank.
For the first time, Wake Forest football season ticket holders will have the ability to view all available seats throughout each section at Allegacy Stadium and select the perfect seat for the 2026 season!
Important timeline information for the 2026 football season ticket seat selection process is listed below:
Purchase Your Tickets Now
Fans can click here to submit their Wake Forest bowl ticket requests, with the priority request window closing at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Order confirmations and payment notifications will be sent on Wednesday, Dec. 10, with seat assignments completed no later than the end of day on Thursday, Dec. 11. Tickets will be delivered digitally by Friday, Dec. 19.
Additionally, 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 Deacons' December bowl game.
Wake Forest recommends booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservations app.
To reserve your parking spot for the Duke's Mayo Bowl, visit the
Bank of America Stadium SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.
Pregame Events & Travel Information
Wake Forest is currently finalizing details on official events for the 2026 Duke's Mayo Bowl. Details on the pre-game events, including registration and pricing, will be released in the coming days.
DEACTOWN Charlotte Pregame Tailgate
We are excited to share details regarding the official DEATOWN Charlotte pre-game party, which will take place prior to the Duke's Mayo Bowl on January 2.
The event will be held inside the club level of Bank of America Stadium from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Food and beverages will be provided.
Fans are invited to attend and may do so by registering here. Wake Forest fans can purchase tickets at $30-$60 per person depending on age.
Follow on Social Media:
Follow the Deacs on social media and GoDeacs.com for the latest announcements and news.
Accounts:
Beginning in 2026, the ACC will move toward a nine-game conference schedule, further strengthening league competition and national positioning. Wake Forest's 2026 slate reflects that enhanced model as the Demon Deacons will travel to Purdue for a huge B1G-ACC matchup on Sept. 12, which fulfills the ACC's Power 4 non-conference requirement.
The Demon Deacons will welcome several premier ACC opponents to Winston-Salem, including 2026 College Football Playoff qualifier Miami, 2025 ACC Championship Game participants Duke and Virginia, and Stanford, which will make just its second-ever visit to Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. The 2026 schedule also features a blend of historic rivalries and new destinations. Wake Forest will travel to California for the first time in program history and will visit Dallas to face SMU for the first time since 1949. Additional road trips include Georgia Tech — marking the Deacs' first game in Atlanta since 2017 — and Louisville, where Wake Forest will play for the first time since 2022.
Highlighting the away slate is the annual Big-4 rivalry at NC State, which remains the cornerstone of Wake Forest's conference schedule. Dating back to 1910, the series is the second-longest continuously played rivalry in FBS history, trailing only Wisconsin–Minnesota.
Meanwhile, the Deacs other two home non-conference games inside Allegacy Stadium will be against Merrimack on Nov. 7 and Opening Night at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium is set for Thursday, Sept. 3, when Wake hosts Akron as that game will launch another exciting fall of ACC football in Winston-Salem.
Coming off a historic 8-4 first season in the Jake Dickert era that included victories at No. 12 Virginia, an exhilarating last-second win against SMU on homecoming and a Big-4 win against North Carolina, the Deacs are currently preparing for the 2026 Duke's Mayo Bowl that will be played inside Bank of America in Charlotte on Jan. 2. Click here for ticket, pregame party and more information about the bowl and this is the right time to lock in your seats for next fall for what promises to be a thrilling season at Allegacy Stadium.
The ACC will release the full 2026 football schedule, including dates and kickoff times, in late January. Additional announcements regarding the complete non-conference schedule, Homecoming, Family Weekend, Unrivaled Weekend, and Senior Day will be made at later dates.
Fans are encouraged to tune into ACC PM on Tuesday, Dec. 16, for full coverage of the conference opponent release, and to listen to the ACC Football Podcast on Wednesday, Dec. 17, for additional analysis and insight.
2026 Wake Forest Opponents
Home
- Non-Conference:
- Akron (Sept. 3), Merrimack (Nov. 7)
- ACC:
- Duke, Miami, Stanford, Virginia
- Non-Conference:
- Purdue (Sept. 12)
- ACC:
- Cal, Georgia Tech, Louisville, NC State, SMU
New $99 Season Ticket Option Available for Limited Time
As head coach Jake Dickert and the Deacs head to a bowl game after finishing with the winningest regular season in program history by a first year head coach at 8-4, there's no better time to lock in seats for the much-anticipated 2026 season at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Secure the fan-friendly $99 Built in the Dark ticket plans—available through the Deacs' December bowl game.
Built in the Dark season ticket packages purchased before the 'Deacs bowl game include:
- $99 per season ticket price point (increasing to $149 Super Value price point following the bowl)
- Built in the Dark T-Shirt with each ticket purchased
- Seating locations are available in section 10 (rows FFF–OOO) and section 11(rows L-CC) and 12 (rows F–CC)
2026 renewals are now available for football season ticket holders. Fans can renew by logging into their online accounts and accessing their renewal application, or by calling the ticket office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1.
Fans who renew prior to the bowl game will receive a head coach Jake Dickert bobblehead (one per account; two for accounts with four or more tickets).
Pricing for the 2026 season is available by clicking here. Fans may secure tickets through a convenient four-month payment plan if tickets are ordered by March 31st.
The deadline for becoming entered into the priority seat selection process is February 16th. All new or current season ticket holders will have the ability to participate in the priority seat selection process that will take place between February 23rd until March 6th. More information regarding the priority seat selection process will be sent to all season ticket holders closer to the start of the seat selection process. Season ticket orders placed after March 6th will be assigned into available seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
Annual Seat Rights Program Returns for the 2026 Season
Following record-setting crowds, sellouts, and one of the strongest home-field advantages in the ACC, the Annual Seat Rights Program continues to serve as an innovative way for fans to secure their preferred gameday experience while supporting enhancements that elevate the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina.
Lock In Your Seats
Fans who opt into the Annual Seat Rights Program guarantee their same seat location every season through an additional recurring per-seat annual fee.
Fans renewing football season tickets can add Annual Seat Rights directly inside their renewal application under:
- Additional Items → Lock In Your Same Seats with a Seat Rights Upgrade
The Annual Seat Rights Program offers two ways to participate:
- Annual Option
- A one-year, renewable seat-rights commitment that guarantees your preferred seats and parking lot for the upcoming season.
- Five-Year Option (20% Discount)
- Fans may secure a five-year term at a discounted annual seat-rights fee, providing long-term value and stability.
Annual Seat Rights may be paid for at the time of season ticket purchase through a payment plan or a single up-front payment.
Why Seat Rights Matter
The Annual Seat Rights Program was developed in response to feedback from loyal Deacon fans who desire the certainty of renewing the same seats and sitting alongside friends and family without making a long-term, decade-plus commitment.
This program provides:
- Guaranteed renewal of the same seat location every year.
- Priority for parking lot assignments when selections are available in February.
- Flexible payment options.
- Exclusive renewal benefits throughout the year.
Wake Forest Athletics is enhancing The Best Fan Experience in North Carolina by introducing an online interactive seat selection process. Ticket holders who purchase season tickets by February 16th may view and select their seats in a 3D interactive map and will be assigned a priority time based on participation in the Annual Seat Rights Program and their Deacon Club rank.
For the first time, Wake Forest football season ticket holders will have the ability to view all available seats throughout each section at Allegacy Stadium and select the perfect seat for the 2026 season!
Important timeline information for the 2026 football season ticket seat selection process is listed below:
- February 16 - Deadline to purchase new season tickets and be eligible to participate in the seat selection process
- February 16 - Deadline to purchase 2026 Annual Seat Rights
- February 16 - Seat selection times / process communicated
- February 19 - Seat selection site goes live for customers to view site (no seat selections can be made at this time)
- February 23 - Seat selection begins
- March 6 - Seat selection ends
- After March 6 - All remaining seats available on a first-come, first-served basis
- Select and add additional season tickets
- Select and add season parking
Purchase Your Tickets Now
Fans can click here to submit their Wake Forest bowl ticket requests, with the priority request window closing at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Order confirmations and payment notifications will be sent on Wednesday, Dec. 10, with seat assignments completed no later than the end of day on Thursday, Dec. 11. Tickets will be delivered digitally by Friday, Dec. 19.
Additionally, 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 Deacons' December bowl game.
Wake Forest recommends booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservations app.
To reserve your parking spot for the Duke's Mayo Bowl, visit the
Bank of America Stadium SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.
Pregame Events & Travel Information
Wake Forest is currently finalizing details on official events for the 2026 Duke's Mayo Bowl. Details on the pre-game events, including registration and pricing, will be released in the coming days.
DEACTOWN Charlotte Pregame Tailgate
We are excited to share details regarding the official DEATOWN Charlotte pre-game party, which will take place prior to the Duke's Mayo Bowl on January 2.
The event will be held inside the club level of Bank of America Stadium from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Food and beverages will be provided.
Fans are invited to attend and may do so by registering here. Wake Forest fans can purchase tickets at $30-$60 per person depending on age.
Follow on Social Media:
Follow the Deacs on social media and GoDeacs.com for the latest announcements and news.
Accounts:
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