The Effort You Don’t See Creates the Moments You Won’t Forget: Wake Forest Football Unveils ‘Built in the Dark’ Identity
7/22/2025 9:25:00 AM | Football
Forged through discipline, preparation, and connection, ‘Built in the Dark’ reflects Wake Forest Football’s belief that lasting success is earned long before gameday — and echoes the University’s commitment to purpose-driven growth, development, and impact.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest Football today unveiled 'Built in the Dark' as the program's new cultural identity, signaling the beginning of a bold new era under head coach Jake Dickert. More than a mantra, 'Built in the Dark' reflects the belief that the effort no one sees creates the moments no one forgets — a mentality rooted in preparation and discipline, and forged through connection. The identity aligns closely with Wake Forest University's transformational mission to prepare principled leaders through intentional effort, resilience, and purpose.
This unveiling takes place ahead of the 2025 ACC Kickoff on Wednesday, July 23 in Charlotte where Coach Dickert and four standout student-athletes will take center stage at this marquee summer event.
"Built in the Dark is not just a mantra — it's who we are," said head coach Jake Dickert. "Success doesn't happen on gameday. It happens in the early mornings, in the film room, in the weight room, in the classroom — in the hours when no one else is watching. We want players who embrace that mentality, who thrive in discomfort and adversity and are committed to sacrificing for one another. That's the standard at Wake Forest – to deliver your B.E.S.T. each and every day to create unforgettable moments for our program and the entire Wake Forest and Winston-Salem community."
The launch marks a significant milestone for Dickert, who was introduced as Wake Forest's new head football coach in December 2024. In his first offseason, Dickert signed a top-30 transfer class and reinvigorated the program's culture around competition, energy, and development. The 'Built in the Dark' identity is expected to serve as a central platform in team messaging, recruiting, fan engagement, and brand storytelling.
"We're not chasing the flash — and that's by design," Dickert added. "In a world that's become transactional, we're building something transformational — through real development, real relationships, and a culture that lasts."
The initiative reflects the broader values of the University: academic rigor, character formation, and purposeful leadership.
"'Built in the Dark' is a powerful reflection of what makes Wake Forest University distinctive," said Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie. "It speaks to the type of young men we develop — not just as competitors, but as leaders, scholars, and role models in their communities. Under Coach Dickert's leadership, Wake Forest Football is poised to write its next great chapter as we build upon being the winningest football program in the state of North Carolina this century thanks to our incredible alumni and outstanding leadership from Dave Clawson and Jim Grobe. We're proud to introduce this identity as a rallying point for our team, our fans, and our University community."
Fans will begin to see 'Built in the Dark' branding and storytelling across Wake Forest Football's digital platforms, social media, and facilities.
"Built in the Dark is our mentality — it's how we attack every day," said redshirt senior defensive back Nick Andersen. "The early mornings, the late nights, the grind no one sees — that's the Standard as we deliver our B.E.S.T. daily. It's who we are as Wake Forest students as we strive for success in everything we do here. I am excited for the 2025 season and the future ahead for our program."
Bojangles Four Pack and Single-Game Tickets
The Bojangles Four-Pack includes tickets in a reserved east side seating section and complimentary parking in the Diet Pepsi Lot at the LJVM Coliseum for select games. With demand already at record levels for several home games, only a limited number of Four-Pack packages are available. Prices on four-packs will increase on August 14 at midnight, and various other dates through the summer and fall, and are only available while supplies last. These tickets will sell out, so act fast!
Don't miss your chance to be part of the action this fall—secure your single game or Bojangles Four-Pack tickets today and be there for every touchdown, turnover, and unforgettable moment.
Wake Forest Athletics has previously announced the full fan experience, group day and promotional plans for the 2025 football season.
The quickest and most efficient way to order single-game tickets is to click the link above for the specific game you want to purchase or to call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wake Forest Football Overview
The Demon Deacons will look to build on previous success and that starts by "Protecting The Forest" and winning at home inside Allegacy Stadium. Since the start of the 2019 season, Wake Forest's 24 home victories ranks tied for seventh in the ACC during that span.
Coach Dickert was a stabilizing force for the Washington State program in 2021 and turned it into one of the best programs on the west coast during his time in Pullman. He spent the final five games of the 2021 season as acting head coach, leading Washington State to a 3-2 record, earning a trip to the Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl. The Apple Cup win in 2021 snapped a seven-game skid to Washington and was the Cougar's largest margin of victory in series history. Additionally, he helped the program navigate PAC-12 turmoil in 2024, helping guide the team to 8-4 season.
Coach Dickert has had a winning record and gone to a bowl three times during his time as a head coach. His teams started the 2024 season with a record of 8-1 and the 2023 season 4-0 while also beating three ranked teams in 2022 and 2023 and beat rival Washington multiple times.
During his time on the Palouse, he trained 2024 Heisman Finalist and First Overall Pick Cam Ward and 2024 Manning Finalist John Mateer. He also has had nine players drafted to the NFL in the last four years alone. With Dickert and Mateer this season, Washington State had the No. 11 scoring offense in the country in 2024, scoring nearly 37 points per game.
That identification of talent continued into his first offseason as the Wake Forest head coach, signing a top-30 transfer class in the country. Redshirt senior offensive lineman Fa'alili Fa'amoe, redshirt senior offensive lineman Devin Kylany, redshirt sophomore defensive back Sascha Garcia, redshirt junior defensive lineman Gabe Kirschke and junior wide receiver Carlos Hernandez bolster an impact class.
In total, Wake Forest added 17,703 career snaps across 30 incoming midyear transfers who integrated into the team for winter workouts and spring practice. Additionally, the Deacs added 16 more transfers in the summer window.
Those additions will play alongside a key group of high level talent that returns from the 2024 team, highlighted by All-American running back Demond Claiborne. The senior is the ACC's second leading returner rusher in the ACC with 1,049 yards and also the ACC's second leading returner in all-purpose yards with 1,579 yards. Last season, he ranked 11th nationally with 131.7 all-purpose yards per game.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Deacs return multi-year starters and rising stars in redshirt senior defensive back Nick Andersen, redshirt senior linebacker Dylan Hazen and redshirt sophomore defensive back Davaughn Patterson.
Andersen is one of 10 returning players in FBS to have 120 or more tackles in 2024. He led the ACC with 122 total tackles in 2024 which was also the most by a Wake Forest player since Marquis Hopkins in 2001 (125 tackles).
Hazen and Patterson both started all 12 games in the front seven for Wake Forest last season and both recorded over 74 tackles for the Demon Deacons in 2024.
Feedback
As fans have questions, feedback or ideas, Wake Forest Athletics encourages you to email wfsports@wfu.edu with those thoughts.
This unveiling takes place ahead of the 2025 ACC Kickoff on Wednesday, July 23 in Charlotte where Coach Dickert and four standout student-athletes will take center stage at this marquee summer event.
"Built in the Dark is not just a mantra — it's who we are," said head coach Jake Dickert. "Success doesn't happen on gameday. It happens in the early mornings, in the film room, in the weight room, in the classroom — in the hours when no one else is watching. We want players who embrace that mentality, who thrive in discomfort and adversity and are committed to sacrificing for one another. That's the standard at Wake Forest – to deliver your B.E.S.T. each and every day to create unforgettable moments for our program and the entire Wake Forest and Winston-Salem community."
The launch marks a significant milestone for Dickert, who was introduced as Wake Forest's new head football coach in December 2024. In his first offseason, Dickert signed a top-30 transfer class and reinvigorated the program's culture around competition, energy, and development. The 'Built in the Dark' identity is expected to serve as a central platform in team messaging, recruiting, fan engagement, and brand storytelling.
"We're not chasing the flash — and that's by design," Dickert added. "In a world that's become transactional, we're building something transformational — through real development, real relationships, and a culture that lasts."
The initiative reflects the broader values of the University: academic rigor, character formation, and purposeful leadership.
"'Built in the Dark' is a powerful reflection of what makes Wake Forest University distinctive," said Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie. "It speaks to the type of young men we develop — not just as competitors, but as leaders, scholars, and role models in their communities. Under Coach Dickert's leadership, Wake Forest Football is poised to write its next great chapter as we build upon being the winningest football program in the state of North Carolina this century thanks to our incredible alumni and outstanding leadership from Dave Clawson and Jim Grobe. We're proud to introduce this identity as a rallying point for our team, our fans, and our University community."
Fans will begin to see 'Built in the Dark' branding and storytelling across Wake Forest Football's digital platforms, social media, and facilities.
"Built in the Dark is our mentality — it's how we attack every day," said redshirt senior defensive back Nick Andersen. "The early mornings, the late nights, the grind no one sees — that's the Standard as we deliver our B.E.S.T. daily. It's who we are as Wake Forest students as we strive for success in everything we do here. I am excited for the 2025 season and the future ahead for our program."
Bojangles Four Pack and Single-Game Tickets
The Bojangles Four-Pack includes tickets in a reserved east side seating section and complimentary parking in the Diet Pepsi Lot at the LJVM Coliseum for select games. With demand already at record levels for several home games, only a limited number of Four-Pack packages are available. Prices on four-packs will increase on August 14 at midnight, and various other dates through the summer and fall, and are only available while supplies last. These tickets will sell out, so act fast!
Don't miss your chance to be part of the action this fall—secure your single game or Bojangles Four-Pack tickets today and be there for every touchdown, turnover, and unforgettable moment.
Wake Forest Athletics has previously announced the full fan experience, group day and promotional plans for the 2025 football season.
The quickest and most efficient way to order single-game tickets is to click the link above for the specific game you want to purchase or to call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wake Forest Football Overview
The Demon Deacons will look to build on previous success and that starts by "Protecting The Forest" and winning at home inside Allegacy Stadium. Since the start of the 2019 season, Wake Forest's 24 home victories ranks tied for seventh in the ACC during that span.
Coach Dickert was a stabilizing force for the Washington State program in 2021 and turned it into one of the best programs on the west coast during his time in Pullman. He spent the final five games of the 2021 season as acting head coach, leading Washington State to a 3-2 record, earning a trip to the Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl. The Apple Cup win in 2021 snapped a seven-game skid to Washington and was the Cougar's largest margin of victory in series history. Additionally, he helped the program navigate PAC-12 turmoil in 2024, helping guide the team to 8-4 season.
Coach Dickert has had a winning record and gone to a bowl three times during his time as a head coach. His teams started the 2024 season with a record of 8-1 and the 2023 season 4-0 while also beating three ranked teams in 2022 and 2023 and beat rival Washington multiple times.
During his time on the Palouse, he trained 2024 Heisman Finalist and First Overall Pick Cam Ward and 2024 Manning Finalist John Mateer. He also has had nine players drafted to the NFL in the last four years alone. With Dickert and Mateer this season, Washington State had the No. 11 scoring offense in the country in 2024, scoring nearly 37 points per game.
That identification of talent continued into his first offseason as the Wake Forest head coach, signing a top-30 transfer class in the country. Redshirt senior offensive lineman Fa'alili Fa'amoe, redshirt senior offensive lineman Devin Kylany, redshirt sophomore defensive back Sascha Garcia, redshirt junior defensive lineman Gabe Kirschke and junior wide receiver Carlos Hernandez bolster an impact class.
In total, Wake Forest added 17,703 career snaps across 30 incoming midyear transfers who integrated into the team for winter workouts and spring practice. Additionally, the Deacs added 16 more transfers in the summer window.
Those additions will play alongside a key group of high level talent that returns from the 2024 team, highlighted by All-American running back Demond Claiborne. The senior is the ACC's second leading returner rusher in the ACC with 1,049 yards and also the ACC's second leading returner in all-purpose yards with 1,579 yards. Last season, he ranked 11th nationally with 131.7 all-purpose yards per game.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Deacs return multi-year starters and rising stars in redshirt senior defensive back Nick Andersen, redshirt senior linebacker Dylan Hazen and redshirt sophomore defensive back Davaughn Patterson.
Andersen is one of 10 returning players in FBS to have 120 or more tackles in 2024. He led the ACC with 122 total tackles in 2024 which was also the most by a Wake Forest player since Marquis Hopkins in 2001 (125 tackles).
Hazen and Patterson both started all 12 games in the front seven for Wake Forest last season and both recorded over 74 tackles for the Demon Deacons in 2024.
Feedback
As fans have questions, feedback or ideas, Wake Forest Athletics encourages you to email wfsports@wfu.edu with those thoughts.
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/ FootballSterling Berkhalter snags a 51-yard touchdown
Saturday, September 06
Demond Claiborne takes it 85 yards for his 3rd TD of the day
Saturday, September 06
Claiborne get his 2nd score of the day
Saturday, September 06
Zamari Stevenson gets the interception
Saturday, September 06