Wake Forest Athletics
Mark Your Calendars! Game Promotions and Group Theme Days are Set for the 2026 Football Season
5/27/2026 10:10:00 AM | Football
The Best Fan Experience in North Carolina awaits the Winston-Salem community and football fans across the state of North Carolina inside Allegacy Stadium this fall.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Get excited, Deacon Nation! Kickoff for the 2026 Wake Forest football season is quickly approaching and game promotions and group theme days are set so members of the Winston-Salem & Triad communities can make their plans for the fall.
Of note, the Saturday, Nov. 7 matchup against Merrimack will be the centerpiece of Wake Forest Homecoming & Reunion Weekend as well as Gold Rush and the annual Wake Forest Family Weekend will be Saturday, Oct. 3 when the Deacs host Stanford.
Not to be outdone, the Deacs' home game against Virginia on Saturday, Oct. 31 will serve as Salute to Service. Fans can donate season or single-game tickets to active-duty personnel and veterans. Every ticket donated helps provide a deserving individual with the chance to enjoy Wake Forest football in a world-class atmosphere surrounded by a supportive community.
The Friday night game against Miami will also be the annual Wear Black game in conjunction with Unrivaled Weekend.
Exciting Fan Experience Opportunities Await!
Throughout the 2026 season there are multiple ways to get involved and experience a Wake Forest football gameday! Here is the full promotional schedule for gamedays this fall inside Allegacy Stadium:
Group Days
Opportunities are now available for groups across the state of North Carolina to enjoy the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina through organized group outings. Make Wake Forest football the destination for your next group outing and join us in DEACTOWN for a game this season!
A number of organized group opportunities are available for the 2026 season. With limited inventory available, take advantage of these discounted rates now to bring your group to Allegacy Stadium. If an organized group outing does not currently exist to fit your needs, customized packages, including group promotional codes for online purchases, can be organized by contacting the Wake Forest Ticket Office sales team at 336-758-3322 ext. 1.
2026 Wake Forest Football Group Day Pricing
Single Game Tickets on Sale Now
Following last year's nine-win season – the fourth in program history and second in five seasons – the Deacs will begin the 2026 campaign with Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Here is a full breakdown of the prices for each game and unique themes for each contest that will help bring our community together for these annual fun events:
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:
Of note, the Saturday, Nov. 7 matchup against Merrimack will be the centerpiece of Wake Forest Homecoming & Reunion Weekend as well as Gold Rush and the annual Wake Forest Family Weekend will be Saturday, Oct. 3 when the Deacs host Stanford.
Not to be outdone, the Deacs' home game against Virginia on Saturday, Oct. 31 will serve as Salute to Service. Fans can donate season or single-game tickets to active-duty personnel and veterans. Every ticket donated helps provide a deserving individual with the chance to enjoy Wake Forest football in a world-class atmosphere surrounded by a supportive community.
The Friday night game against Miami will also be the annual Wear Black game in conjunction with Unrivaled Weekend.
Exciting Fan Experience Opportunities Await!
Throughout the 2026 season there are multiple ways to get involved and experience a Wake Forest football gameday! Here is the full promotional schedule for gamedays this fall inside Allegacy Stadium:
| Date | Opponent | Game Promotions | Game Sponsors | |
| Thursday, Sept. 3 | Akron | OPENING NIGHT | Lowes Foods | |
| Friday, Sept. 18 | Miami | WEAR BLACK UNRIVALED WEEKEND |
Allegacy Financial | |
| Saturday, Oct. 3 | Stanford | FAMILY WEEKEND | Kelly Office Solutions | |
| Saturday, Oct. 31 | Virginia | SALUTE TO SERVICE HALLOWEEN |
Pepsi | |
| Saturday, Nov. 7 | Merrimack | HOMECOMING & REUNION WEEKEND GOLD RUSH |
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist | |
| Saturday, Nov. 28 | Duke | SENIOR DAY | Mountcastle Insurance | |
Opportunities are now available for groups across the state of North Carolina to enjoy the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina through organized group outings. Make Wake Forest football the destination for your next group outing and join us in DEACTOWN for a game this season!
A number of organized group opportunities are available for the 2026 season. With limited inventory available, take advantage of these discounted rates now to bring your group to Allegacy Stadium. If an organized group outing does not currently exist to fit your needs, customized packages, including group promotional codes for online purchases, can be organized by contacting the Wake Forest Ticket Office sales team at 336-758-3322 ext. 1.
| Date | Opponent | Group Days | |
| Thursday, Sept. 3 | Akron | F/S Appreciation First Responders Day Stars of Honor |
|
| Friday, Sept. 18 | Miami | Extra Yard for Teachers Construction Day |
|
| Saturday, Oct. 3 | Stanford | Family Weekend | |
| Saturday, Oct. 31 | Georgia Tech | Salute to Service Band Day Wake Forest Basketball Preview |
|
| Saturday, Nov. 7 | Merrimack | Homecoming & Reunion Weekend Gold Rush |
|
| Saturday, Nov. 28 | Duke | Senior Day Youth Day Scouts Day Junior Deacs Day Stars of Honor |
|
| Game | 15-99 Tickets | 100+ Tickets |
| Akron (Sept. 3) | $10 | x |
| Miami (Sept. 18) | $30* | $22* |
| Stanford (Oct. 3) | $30* | $22* |
| Virginia (Oct. 31) | $20 | $12 |
| Merrimack (Nov. 7) | $10 | x |
| Duke (Nov. 28) | $10 | x |
* Limited locations and quantities available
Single Game Tickets on Sale Now
Following last year's nine-win season – the fourth in program history and second in five seasons – the Deacs will begin the 2026 campaign with Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Here is a full breakdown of the prices for each game and unique themes for each contest that will help bring our community together for these annual fun events:
- Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 3 vs. Akron: Starting at $15
- Wear Black and UNRIVALED Weekend on Friday, Sept. 18 vs. Miami: Starting at $50
- Family Weekend on Saturday, Oct. 3 vs. Stanford: Starting at $50: Starting at $50
- Salute to Service on Saturday, Oct. 31 vs. Virginia: Starting at $30: Starting at $30
- Homecoming & Reunion Weekend and Gold Rush on Saturday, Nov. 7 vs. Merrimack: Starting at $15
- Senior Day on Saturday, Nov. 28 vs. Duke: Starting at $15: Starting at $15
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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