Wake Forest Athletics
10/27/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football
Wake Forest football alum and San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha is set to be the Demon Deacons' Open the Gate honoree for Saturday's matchup against Virginia.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest football alum Malik Mustapha will serve as the Open the Gate honoree during the No. 14 Demon Deacons' Week 9 matchup against Virginia on Saturday, Oct. 31 at Allegacy Financial Stadium.
Mustapha spent three seasons (2021-23) anchoring the Wake Forest secondary after transferring from Richmond, developing into one of the hardest-hitting safeties in the ACC before carrying that reputation into the NFL.
Mustapha arrived in Winston-Salem in 2021 and quickly established himself as a physical, sure-tackling presence. Over his three seasons with the Demon Deacons, he racked up 175 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, four sacks and three interceptions across 35 games. During the 2023 season he was named a team captain and led Wake Forest with 45 solo tackles, earning Pro Football Focus All-ACC Team recognition for his efforts.
The San Francisco 49ers selected Mustapha in the fourth round (124th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, a pick the team acquired in the trade that sent quarterback Trey Lance to Dallas. Mustapha impressed at the NFL Combine ahead of the draft, recording 22 bench press reps — the most of any safety in attendance.
Mustapha wasted little time making an impact as a rookie. He earned his first career start in Week 4 against the New England Patriots and recorded his first interception in Week 6 against Seattle. He went on to finish his rookie campaign with 72 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and five passes defended.
Open the Gate Information & 2026 Honorees
The Open the Gate tradition, established in 2008, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the Wake Forest and Winston-Salem communities. Honorees are recognized during football games by leading the team onto the field alongside the Demon Deacon mascot.
Week 1 - Dr. Peter Rodriguez
Week 3 - Al-Farouq Aminu
Week 5 - Traci Piccolo Dolby
Week 9 - Malik Mustapha
Mustapha spent three seasons (2021-23) anchoring the Wake Forest secondary after transferring from Richmond, developing into one of the hardest-hitting safeties in the ACC before carrying that reputation into the NFL.
Mustapha arrived in Winston-Salem in 2021 and quickly established himself as a physical, sure-tackling presence. Over his three seasons with the Demon Deacons, he racked up 175 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, four sacks and three interceptions across 35 games. During the 2023 season he was named a team captain and led Wake Forest with 45 solo tackles, earning Pro Football Focus All-ACC Team recognition for his efforts.
The San Francisco 49ers selected Mustapha in the fourth round (124th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, a pick the team acquired in the trade that sent quarterback Trey Lance to Dallas. Mustapha impressed at the NFL Combine ahead of the draft, recording 22 bench press reps — the most of any safety in attendance.
Mustapha wasted little time making an impact as a rookie. He earned his first career start in Week 4 against the New England Patriots and recorded his first interception in Week 6 against Seattle. He went on to finish his rookie campaign with 72 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and five passes defended.
Open the Gate Information & 2026 Honorees
The Open the Gate tradition, established in 2008, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the Wake Forest and Winston-Salem communities. Honorees are recognized during football games by leading the team onto the field alongside the Demon Deacon mascot.
Week 1 - Dr. Peter Rodriguez
Week 3 - Al-Farouq Aminu
Week 5 - Traci Piccolo Dolby
Week 9 - Malik Mustapha
Players Mentioned
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