Wake Forest Athletics
Mark Your Calendars! ACC Announces Wake Forest’s 2026 Football Schedule
1/26/2026 5:45:00 PM | Football
Coach Jake Dickert’s team will look to build on a historic year one with exciting home matchups against Akron (Sept. 3), Miami (Sept. 18), Stanford (Oct. 3), Virginia (Oct. 31), Merrimack (Nov. 7) and Duke (Nov. 28).
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Coming off the most successful first season by a head coach in program history, Wake Forest Football is building on the momentum established under head coach Jake Dickert, he and his staff welcomed 42 new enrollees, and many returning athletes—including star defensive back Davaughn Patterson, breakout offensive and return weapon Carlos Hernandez and the ACC leader in tackles for loss Langston Hardy. While the lights are out as the Demon Deacons continue to Build in the Dark for the much-anticipated 2026 season, the Atlantic Coast Conference has announced the Demon Deacons fall schedule.
With just over 200 days remaining until Opening Night at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 3, when the Demon Deacons host Akron, as that game marks the first of six standout opportunities for ACC football fans to gather for fall football in Winston-Salem. Additionally, Wake Forest's second home game of the 2026 season will be on Friday, Sept. 18 when the Deacs host College Football Playoff National Championship Finalist Miami and it will kickoff in primetime in front of a national television audience.
Additionally this fall, the Saturday, October 3 matchup against Stanford will be the centerpiece of Wake Forest Family Weekend and the annual Wake Forest Homecoming Weekend will be Saturday, November. 7 when the Deacs host Merrimack. Meanwhile, Unrivaled Weekend be a featured component of the Friday, Sept. 18 matchup with the Hurricanes.
Registration and details, including single game pricing and ticket package options, surrounding these weekend activities will be announced and shared in the coming weeks.
The home finale will take place on Saturday, Nov. 28 against Duke.
Game times and broadcast networks dates will be announced at a later date. With that, stay tuned for more information about Wake Forest's spring game and other opportunities for fans to engage with the Demon Deacons football program.
Wake Forest 2026 Football Schedule:
Building on that winning momentum, Wake Forest Athletics has released ticket-sales opportunities for its marquee 2026 home matchup against CFP Finalist Miami on Friday, Sept. 18 at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. A limited number of single-game tickets for the Deacs-Hurricanes game are available now at the following prices::
Premium seating options – including suites, loge boxes, and hospitality packages– are also available for Wake Forest's game against Miami while supplies last. Visit our premium seating page or submit an interest form to learn more.
In addition to the special Deacs-Canes ticket offer, Wake Forest has opened limited single-game ticket sales for Opening Night at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.
Wake Forest is offering a limited-time discounted promotional rate of just $10 per ticket, providing an affordable and family-friendly way for fans, students, youth groups, and community organizations to experience Wake Forest football inside Allegacy Stadium. This offer will be available for a limited time and prices are expected to increase after the ACC's schedule release later this month.
These early-release ticket opportunities allow fans to lock in seats now at the best available pricing for two expected sellouts as excitement builds toward another exciting fall of ACC football in Winston-Salem.
Additional information on all season ticket options, including premium seating and full season ticket packages, is available at GoDeacs.com or by contacting the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 (ext. 1).
Season Ticket Offers
As Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie shared after Coach Dickert signed his long-term contract extension – Wake Forest Athletics has asked Deacon Nation to make a personal commitment to the "One More Rule" and attend at least one more Wake Forest football game – in person – in 2026 than a fan did in 2025. Fans are encouraged to review this special offer of the limited-time Built in the Dark season ticket plan – just $149 per ticket – with seats available in Sections 1 and 10 (rows FFF–OOO) and Sections 11–12 (rows L–CC) while inventory lasts.
Fans can also renew their season tickets by logging into their online accounts and accessing their renewal application, or by calling the ticket office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1. 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 taking part in 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 occur 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.
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:
New 2026 Football Season Ticket Seat Selection Process
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:
In the greatest debut campaign by a head coach in program history, Dickert, his staff and his players guided the Demon Deacons to just the fourth nine-win season in school history, punctuated by an emphatic 43–29 victory over Mississippi State to capture the Duke's Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Wake Forest finished the 2025 season 9-4, marking the fifth time in the last nine years the program reached eight or more wins – one of only five ACC programs to accomplish that feat during the span.
With that, the nine victories in 2025 was tied for the most among all FBS and Power 4 programs in the Carolinas.
Dickert surpassed Billy Dooley who won seven games during his first season in Winston-Salem in 1987 and the 2025 campaign was highlighted by marquee College Football Playoff Top-25 wins over SMU and No. 12 Virginia – the Cavaliers' only home loss of the year – as well as a Big Four victory over North Carolina inside a sold-out Allegacy Stadium.
Defensively, the Demon Deacons were among the ACC's elite in 2025, ranking seventh in the league and 44th nationally in scoring defense while finishing top-six in the conference in both total defense and passing defense. Wake Forest did not allow a touchdown against either No. 12 Virginia or North Carolina during the season.
Individual success followed team success, as 12 Demon Deacons earned All-ACC honors in 2025. The selections marked the ninth consecutive season Wake Forest placed six or more players on the All-Conference teams, and since 2019, the program's 74 All-ACC honorees rank fifth most in the ACC. Additionally, three Demon Deacons garnered All-America honors as senior tailback Demond Claiborne and redshirt senior safety Nick Andersen were named honorable mention by Phil Steele and rookie kicker Connor Calvert was named a FWAA Freshman All-American.
The Demon Deacons return top-tier talent again for the 2026 season led by a core group of star defensive back Davaughn Patterson, breakout offensive weapon Carlos Hernandez and the ACC leader in tackles for loss Langston Hardy.
Patterson, an All-ACC selection, made 80 total tackles, 4.0 TFLs, nine pass breakups and forced a fumble. He finished sixth in the ACC and first on the team with nine passes defended. For Patterson's efforts in the memorable win over SMU, he was named ACC Defensive Back of the Week and garnered PFF Team of the Week honors.
Hernandez was the Deacs leading receiver in 2025 catching 40 passes for 611 yards and three receiving touchdowns while also scoring a rushing touchdown and returning an unforgettable punt for a touchdown in the road win at No. 13 Virginia. Against Delaware, he had a career day, catching five passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns, including a 97-yarder, the longest reception in school history. He also totaled 100 receiving yards, 51 rushing yards and two total touchdowns in the victory over North Carolina.
Hardy, an All-ACC pick, led the ACC and finished fifth in the country with 17.0 tackles for loss. He also tied for 11th in Wake Forest history with 17.0 TFLs in a season. Additionally, his 7.0 sacks led the team and was good for fifth-most in the conference.
Feedback
As fans have questions, feedback or ideas, Wake Forest Athletics encourages you to email wfsports@wfu.edu with those thoughts.
Follow on Social Media:
Follow the Deacs on social media and GoDeacs.com for the latest announcements and news.
Accounts:
With just over 200 days remaining until Opening Night at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 3, when the Demon Deacons host Akron, as that game marks the first of six standout opportunities for ACC football fans to gather for fall football in Winston-Salem. Additionally, Wake Forest's second home game of the 2026 season will be on Friday, Sept. 18 when the Deacs host College Football Playoff National Championship Finalist Miami and it will kickoff in primetime in front of a national television audience.
Additionally this fall, the Saturday, October 3 matchup against Stanford will be the centerpiece of Wake Forest Family Weekend and the annual Wake Forest Homecoming Weekend will be Saturday, November. 7 when the Deacs host Merrimack. Meanwhile, Unrivaled Weekend be a featured component of the Friday, Sept. 18 matchup with the Hurricanes.
Registration and details, including single game pricing and ticket package options, surrounding these weekend activities will be announced and shared in the coming weeks.
The home finale will take place on Saturday, Nov. 28 against Duke.
Game times and broadcast networks dates will be announced at a later date. With that, stay tuned for more information about Wake Forest's spring game and other opportunities for fans to engage with the Demon Deacons football program.
Wake Forest 2026 Football Schedule:
- Thursday, Sept. 3: Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium vs. Akron
- Saturday, Sept. 12: at Purdue
- Friday, Sept. 18: vs. Miami
- (UNRIVALED Weekend)
- Saturday, Sept. 26: at Louisville
- Saturday, Oct. 3: Stanford
- (Family Weekend)
- Saturday, Oct. 10: at NC State
- Saturday, Oct. 17: at Cal
- Bye Week - Saturday, Oct. 24
- Saturday, Oct. 31: vs. UVA
- Saturday, Nov. 7: vs. Merrimack
- (Homecoming)
- Saturday, Nov. 14: at SMU
- Saturday, Nov. 21: at Georgia Tech
- Saturday, Nov. 28: vs. Duke
- Head Coach Jake Dickert:
- "I'm incredibly excited about this 2026 team and the process that we have collectively begun since we came together a couple of weeks ago," said head coach Jake Dickert. "We can feel the momentum around our program, and now it's about taking the next step together. Our players are buying into the work every single day in the dark, and this offseason is about raising the standard and living it consistently. Allegacy Stadium can be a real advantage for us, and that comes from our students and fans showing up, leaning in, and creating that edge for every home game. I can't wait to be around our fans this offseason and already fired up for the season ahead of us!"
- Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie:
- "I'm fired up to see Coach Dickert's program back in Allegacy Stadium following his 9–4 debut season, and I can't wait for Opening Night on September 3rd. National attention is coming to Winston-Salem, with visits from College Football Playoff runner-up Miami, 2025 10-game winner Virginia, Stanford, and ACC Champion Duke. We'll also take the show on the road to Deacon Nation hot spots including Dallas, Atlanta and the Bay Area, as the 2026 slate provides tremendous opportunities for Wake fans everywhere to make plans now to support Demon Deacon Football in person in 2026."
Building on that winning momentum, Wake Forest Athletics has released ticket-sales opportunities for its marquee 2026 home matchup against CFP Finalist Miami on Friday, Sept. 18 at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. A limited number of single-game tickets for the Deacs-Hurricanes game are available now at the following prices::
- Chairback seating: $95 per ticket
- Standard seating: $65 per ticket
Premium seating options – including suites, loge boxes, and hospitality packages– are also available for Wake Forest's game against Miami while supplies last. Visit our premium seating page or submit an interest form to learn more.
In addition to the special Deacs-Canes ticket offer, Wake Forest has opened limited single-game ticket sales for Opening Night at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.
Wake Forest is offering a limited-time discounted promotional rate of just $10 per ticket, providing an affordable and family-friendly way for fans, students, youth groups, and community organizations to experience Wake Forest football inside Allegacy Stadium. This offer will be available for a limited time and prices are expected to increase after the ACC's schedule release later this month.
These early-release ticket opportunities allow fans to lock in seats now at the best available pricing for two expected sellouts as excitement builds toward another exciting fall of ACC football in Winston-Salem.
Additional information on all season ticket options, including premium seating and full season ticket packages, is available at GoDeacs.com or by contacting the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 (ext. 1).
Season Ticket Offers
As Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie shared after Coach Dickert signed his long-term contract extension – Wake Forest Athletics has asked Deacon Nation to make a personal commitment to the "One More Rule" and attend at least one more Wake Forest football game – in person – in 2026 than a fan did in 2025. Fans are encouraged to review this special offer of the limited-time Built in the Dark season ticket plan – just $149 per ticket – with seats available in Sections 1 and 10 (rows FFF–OOO) and Sections 11–12 (rows L–CC) while inventory lasts.
Fans can also renew their season tickets by logging into their online accounts and accessing their renewal application, or by calling the ticket office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1. 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 taking part in 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 occur 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.
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
New 2026 Football Season Ticket Seat Selection Process
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
In the greatest debut campaign by a head coach in program history, Dickert, his staff and his players guided the Demon Deacons to just the fourth nine-win season in school history, punctuated by an emphatic 43–29 victory over Mississippi State to capture the Duke's Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Wake Forest finished the 2025 season 9-4, marking the fifth time in the last nine years the program reached eight or more wins – one of only five ACC programs to accomplish that feat during the span.
With that, the nine victories in 2025 was tied for the most among all FBS and Power 4 programs in the Carolinas.
Dickert surpassed Billy Dooley who won seven games during his first season in Winston-Salem in 1987 and the 2025 campaign was highlighted by marquee College Football Playoff Top-25 wins over SMU and No. 12 Virginia – the Cavaliers' only home loss of the year – as well as a Big Four victory over North Carolina inside a sold-out Allegacy Stadium.
Defensively, the Demon Deacons were among the ACC's elite in 2025, ranking seventh in the league and 44th nationally in scoring defense while finishing top-six in the conference in both total defense and passing defense. Wake Forest did not allow a touchdown against either No. 12 Virginia or North Carolina during the season.
Individual success followed team success, as 12 Demon Deacons earned All-ACC honors in 2025. The selections marked the ninth consecutive season Wake Forest placed six or more players on the All-Conference teams, and since 2019, the program's 74 All-ACC honorees rank fifth most in the ACC. Additionally, three Demon Deacons garnered All-America honors as senior tailback Demond Claiborne and redshirt senior safety Nick Andersen were named honorable mention by Phil Steele and rookie kicker Connor Calvert was named a FWAA Freshman All-American.
The Demon Deacons return top-tier talent again for the 2026 season led by a core group of star defensive back Davaughn Patterson, breakout offensive weapon Carlos Hernandez and the ACC leader in tackles for loss Langston Hardy.
Patterson, an All-ACC selection, made 80 total tackles, 4.0 TFLs, nine pass breakups and forced a fumble. He finished sixth in the ACC and first on the team with nine passes defended. For Patterson's efforts in the memorable win over SMU, he was named ACC Defensive Back of the Week and garnered PFF Team of the Week honors.
Hernandez was the Deacs leading receiver in 2025 catching 40 passes for 611 yards and three receiving touchdowns while also scoring a rushing touchdown and returning an unforgettable punt for a touchdown in the road win at No. 13 Virginia. Against Delaware, he had a career day, catching five passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns, including a 97-yarder, the longest reception in school history. He also totaled 100 receiving yards, 51 rushing yards and two total touchdowns in the victory over North Carolina.
Hardy, an All-ACC pick, led the ACC and finished fifth in the country with 17.0 tackles for loss. He also tied for 11th in Wake Forest history with 17.0 TFLs in a season. Additionally, his 7.0 sacks led the team and was good for fifth-most in the conference.
Feedback
As fans have questions, feedback or ideas, Wake Forest Athletics encourages you to email wfsports@wfu.edu with those thoughts.
Follow on Social Media:
Follow the Deacs on social media and GoDeacs.com for the latest announcements and news.
Accounts:
Players Mentioned
DB
/ Football
K
/ Football
RB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
WR
/ Football
DB
/ FootballSteve Forbes - Postgame Presser at Duke
Saturday, January 24
Steve Forbes - Postgame Presser vs. SMU
Wednesday, January 21
Men's Basketball All-Access at Florida State
Monday, January 19
Steve Forbes - Postgame Presser at Florida State
Sunday, January 18