Wake Forest Athletics
Fun-Filled Event on Saturday Highlights Successful Spring for Demon Deacons Football
4/18/2026 5:18:00 PM | Football
Deacon Nation was treated to a fun fan fest that had unique and engaging fan elements as well as high-level football.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Demon Deacons fans of all ages turned out in full force for an action-packed Wake Forest Football Fan Fest that brought energy, excitement and exclusive access to the 2026 Wake Forest Football team.
In the second spring game of the Jake Dickert era, there were numerous marquee moments beginning with a touchdown-saving interception from defensive back Deuce Blades in the first quarter. One possession later, freshman wide receiver Elijah Otenio hauled in a touchdown from redshirt freshman Steele Pizzella before the quarterback kept it himself for another touchdown. Late in the second quarter, redshirt junior quarterback Gio Lopez also showcased his dual-threat talents with a rushing touchdown of his own.
On special teams, redshirt sophomore kicker Connor Calvert split the uprights from 57 yards to conclude the first half.
Beyond the gridiron, fans had a blast with interactive elements that brought them closer to the team. Specifically, the Punt, Pass & Kick Competition at halftime gave youth players the chance to show off their skills alongside Wake Forest players, adding a unique and memorable twist to the day. Also, attendees scored big with exclusive giveaways, including Nike team gear, autographed items, gift cards and more.
Additionally, Saturday was a celebration of football in the Winston-Salem and Triad communities as the team hosted a free football clinic for kids K-5 as well as hosting a local flag football tournament during the first half of the spring game.
Not to be outdone, all fans were welcome onto the field inside Allegacy Stadium after the Showcase for post-event autographs with Wake Forest's student-athletes and Coach Dickert. And, Wake Forest Athletics created a fan zone at the top of Deacon Hill underneath the Bob McCreary Video Board Honoring the Class of 1961 that opened 90 minutes prior to the Showcase beginning where fans were able to watch the Wake Forest vs. NC State baseball game and there were activities for kids in this area too.
From Coach Dickert
"First off, just what a day for Winston-Salem. That's what our whole goal was, to have this fan festival, a kindergarten through fifth grade youth clinic this morning. A lot of thanks to the NFL Flag Football League for having those kids on the other half of the field during the first half. Our team has a long way to go. The biggest thing off the top of my mind is we want to be a more physical football team. I don't know if that showed enough on offense today, but obviously we have a high expectation of what our defense is capable of doing. Those guys did a really good job today. The penalties are something that plagued us last season. We got to clean some of that stuff up. We got to grow and get better. But the health of this football team has never been better. I've never been in a better situation coming out of spring ball than we are now, even though we've had a really physical 13 practices. We have two more skill, situational days this week. We have finals that we're going to dominate, a little break in May, and then we'll come back in June ready to roll." - head coach Jake Dickert
2026 Duke's Mayo Bowl Rings
The Wake Forest Football team capped off a historic first season with a 43-29 victory over Mississippi State in the 2026 Duke's Mayo Bowl on Jan. 2, 2026 in Charlotte, N.C.
To memorialize the record-breaking first season of the Jake Dickert era, the members of the team and staff received their bowl rings on Friday night. The ring features unique engravings including the iconic "Built in the Dark" team mantra, program principles "B.E.S.T", Silhouette Deacon logo, team battle cry "All We Got. All We Need." and key milestones for the bowl victory and overall team record.
With the win, the Deacs have won each of their last three bowl game appearances, which is tied for the longest streak in program history (1992-2002, 2016-18). The Deacs moved to 5-1 against SEC opponents in the College Football Playoff era.
The victory over Mississippi State secured Wake Forest's ninth victory this season. The 2025 Demon Deacons became just the fourth team in 118 years of football at Wake Forest to accomplish that feat.
T1. Jake Dickert (2025) - 9
T1. 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
Friday's Alumni Networking Event
While Coach Dickert and Wake Forest's football program have approached this spring with the ideal of delivering their B.E.S.T. each day, that standard was expected off the field last night as Wake Forest's student-athletes helped ensure a successful future beyond the football field on last night as they connected with former football alums for the Deacs annual Alumni Networking Career Night.
Single Game Tickets on Sale Now for Select Games
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 (plus fees), providing an affordable and family-friendly way for fans, students, youth groups, and community organizations to experience Wake Forest football inside Allegacy Stadium.
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.
Information regarding full single game pricing and availability will be announced prior to the single game on sale in early May.
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 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 review full season ticket options and pricing for the 2026 season by clicking here and purchase online at GoDeacs.com/tickets, or by calling 336-758-3322.
Wake Forest Football Overview
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:
In the second spring game of the Jake Dickert era, there were numerous marquee moments beginning with a touchdown-saving interception from defensive back Deuce Blades in the first quarter. One possession later, freshman wide receiver Elijah Otenio hauled in a touchdown from redshirt freshman Steele Pizzella before the quarterback kept it himself for another touchdown. Late in the second quarter, redshirt junior quarterback Gio Lopez also showcased his dual-threat talents with a rushing touchdown of his own.
On special teams, redshirt sophomore kicker Connor Calvert split the uprights from 57 yards to conclude the first half.
Beyond the gridiron, fans had a blast with interactive elements that brought them closer to the team. Specifically, the Punt, Pass & Kick Competition at halftime gave youth players the chance to show off their skills alongside Wake Forest players, adding a unique and memorable twist to the day. Also, attendees scored big with exclusive giveaways, including Nike team gear, autographed items, gift cards and more.
Additionally, Saturday was a celebration of football in the Winston-Salem and Triad communities as the team hosted a free football clinic for kids K-5 as well as hosting a local flag football tournament during the first half of the spring game.
Not to be outdone, all fans were welcome onto the field inside Allegacy Stadium after the Showcase for post-event autographs with Wake Forest's student-athletes and Coach Dickert. And, Wake Forest Athletics created a fan zone at the top of Deacon Hill underneath the Bob McCreary Video Board Honoring the Class of 1961 that opened 90 minutes prior to the Showcase beginning where fans were able to watch the Wake Forest vs. NC State baseball game and there were activities for kids in this area too.
From Coach Dickert
"First off, just what a day for Winston-Salem. That's what our whole goal was, to have this fan festival, a kindergarten through fifth grade youth clinic this morning. A lot of thanks to the NFL Flag Football League for having those kids on the other half of the field during the first half. Our team has a long way to go. The biggest thing off the top of my mind is we want to be a more physical football team. I don't know if that showed enough on offense today, but obviously we have a high expectation of what our defense is capable of doing. Those guys did a really good job today. The penalties are something that plagued us last season. We got to clean some of that stuff up. We got to grow and get better. But the health of this football team has never been better. I've never been in a better situation coming out of spring ball than we are now, even though we've had a really physical 13 practices. We have two more skill, situational days this week. We have finals that we're going to dominate, a little break in May, and then we'll come back in June ready to roll." - head coach Jake Dickert
2026 Duke's Mayo Bowl Rings
The Wake Forest Football team capped off a historic first season with a 43-29 victory over Mississippi State in the 2026 Duke's Mayo Bowl on Jan. 2, 2026 in Charlotte, N.C.
To memorialize the record-breaking first season of the Jake Dickert era, the members of the team and staff received their bowl rings on Friday night. The ring features unique engravings including the iconic "Built in the Dark" team mantra, program principles "B.E.S.T", Silhouette Deacon logo, team battle cry "All We Got. All We Need." and key milestones for the bowl victory and overall team record.
With the win, the Deacs have won each of their last three bowl game appearances, which is tied for the longest streak in program history (1992-2002, 2016-18). The Deacs moved to 5-1 against SEC opponents in the College Football Playoff era.
The victory over Mississippi State secured Wake Forest's ninth victory this season. The 2025 Demon Deacons became just the fourth team in 118 years of football at Wake Forest to accomplish that feat.
- Nine-Win Seasons:
- 2025 (9-4)
- 2021 (11-3)
- 2006 (11-3)
- 2007 (9-4)
T1. Jake Dickert (2025) - 9
T1. 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
Friday's Alumni Networking Event
While Coach Dickert and Wake Forest's football program have approached this spring with the ideal of delivering their B.E.S.T. each day, that standard was expected off the field last night as Wake Forest's student-athletes helped ensure a successful future beyond the football field on last night as they connected with former football alums for the Deacs annual Alumni Networking Career Night.
Single Game Tickets on Sale Now for Select Games
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: $115 per ticket
- Standard seating: $85 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 (plus fees), providing an affordable and family-friendly way for fans, students, youth groups, and community organizations to experience Wake Forest football inside Allegacy Stadium.
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.
Information regarding full single game pricing and availability will be announced prior to the single game on sale in early May.
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 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 review full season ticket options and pricing for the 2026 season by clicking here and purchase online at GoDeacs.com/tickets, or by calling 336-758-3322.
Wake Forest Football Overview
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:
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