Wake Forest Athletics
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From The Quad
5/7/2026 10:54:00 AM | General
Good Morning Deacon Nation!
Time to grab your passport …Wake Forest football is taking DEACTOWN north of the border! We're thrilled to announce that the 2027 season will kick off with an epic Week Zero showdown against the Syracuse Orange at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada! And, thanks to a guaranteed slot on ABC or ESPN as well as distribution across Canada and beyond, the August 28 or 29, 2027 game will deliver the Demon Deacon football experience to millions of viewers.
The Deacs and the Orange will make history as the first college football game ever at BMO Field, which will be the site of several World Cup games this summer, including the Germany – Ivory Coast matchup on June 20th – and just the Deacs' second international contest, following our 1982 Mirage Bowl battle with Clemson in Tokyo (I know a few loyal FTQ readers remember that one!). We're thrilled to build on Coach Dickert's 9-4 inaugural season momentum by putting Wake Forest University, Demon Deacon football, Winston-Salem, and the ACC on the international stage and in the heart of a world-class city. Amidst the massive Canadian National Exhibition, attended annually by about 1.5 million people, DEACTOWN Toronto will offer an unprecedented experience for fans.
This opportunity has been in development for over a year through collaboration with ESPN's Clint Overby and Kristen Shaver, MLSE VP of Business Operations Chris Shewfelt, ACC Senior Vice President Michael Strickland and retiring Syracuse athletics director John Wildhack. We're excited for an explosive 2027 season kickoff – momentum that will build straight into our Duke's Mayo Classic showdown with Notre Dame in Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium on October 9, 2027. And thanks to the ACC's new 9 game conference schedule we will still have six games in Allegacy Financial Stadium – including four big ACC home games.
Stay tuned for ticket pre-sales, travel packages, and game-week details so you can join us in representing Wake Forest on the world stage!
Serving Notice: Deacs Eye Another Championship
Spring in DEACTOWN means championship season has arrived, and men's tennis is leading the charge. Last month, all eyes turned to the NCAA Division I selection show, where – unsurprisingly – Coach Tony Bresky's reigning national champions and 2026 ACC champions secured the tournament's top overall seed.
Tomorrow at 5:00 PM, the Deacs host UCF on Southern Family Courts, with a spot in the eight-team NCAA Finals on the line. Go ahead and grab your tickets while they last at GoDeacs.com and help pack Leighton Stadium to cheer on ACC Freshman of the Year Mees Rottgering, All-ACC Doubles First Team standouts DK Suresh Ekambaram and Andrew Delgado, and the entire Wake Forest squad as 2026 ACC Coach of the Year Tony Bresky serves up yet another contending team!
Bats Stay Hot as Deacs Sweep Their Way Into May
While Coach Bresky's Deacs were sweeping Navy (4-0) and Old Dominion (4-0) on the courts, Coach Tom Walter's Diamond Deacs were doing the same just steps away – battling through adversity to capture all three games over Louisville at David F. Couch Ballpark. Fans who packed the stands during the NC State series a few weeks ago also witnessed an offensive explosion, as Wake Forest plated 45 runs and launched 13 home runs against its Big Four rival. That energy carried into the Louisville series, where the Deacs walked off the winning run in both Thursday and Friday night's games before securing the sweep on Saturday afternoon.
Join us this weekend for the Deacs' final series against Western Carolina, May 8-10, before we head down to Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte for the ACC Championships, May 19-24. Then, be sure to tune in Monday, May 25 at 12 p.m. to see where the Deacs land in the 2026 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament.
Deacs Dominate Academic Performance Rankings
Wake Forest Athletics continues to set the standard for academic excellence, with seven programs earning perfect 1,000 single-year APR scores and three posting perfect multi-year marks in the NCAA's latest report. Football led the way with a perfect 1,000 for 2024-25 and a multi-year score above 990 – ranking #3 nationally among FBS programs. Women's basketball, women's golf and women's tennis also earned perfect multi-year scores, while football, men's golf, men's soccer, women's basketball, women's golf, women's tennis and volleyball all hit 1,000 for the year. The Deacs continue to prioritize the student in student-athlete, and I couldn't be more proud of their success. Thank you to our incredible student athlete services team and all the professors who teach our student-athletes!
Congratulations to Our 2026 Deacs!
On May 17, we will host one of my favorite annual events – our student-athlete graduation reception at Lowden Gym. It's always rewarding to see our graduating student-athletes and their families together enjoying one last Wake Forest World Class Student-Athlete Experience. This class of 104 Demon Deacons – 71 from spring/summer 2026 and 33 from fall 2025 – wore the Old Gold and Black in over 1,500 contests, winning 8 ACC team championships and two individual ACC titles, and building a legacy of bowl victories and NCAA post-season success, including the 2025 men's tennis national title. Their accomplishments, character, and leadership will embody Wake Forest's Pro Humanitate motto, and we can't wait to see where life takes them next! Graduates, remember, you always have a home at Wake Forest University and in Winston-Salem.
#ProDeacs Take Next Step In 2026 NFL Draft and Beyond
Congratulations to Demon Deacons Karon Prunty and Demond Claiborne for hearing their names called in the 2026 NFL Draft – Prunty selected in the fifth round (171st overall) by the New England Patriots and Claiborne in the sixth round (198th overall) by the Minnesota Vikings. Star safety Nick Andersen signed with the Los Angeles Rams, Jayden Loving with the Chicago Bears, Ladarius Webb Jr. is heading to Baltimore, and Eni Falayi is going up to the Green Bay Packers. Additionally, Dylan Hazen earned rookie minicamp invites to both the Las Vegas Raiders and Chicago Bears while George Sell received the same call from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Also – while we're discussing Demon Deacon football in Canada – congratulations to Nuer Gatkuoth and Fa'alili Fa'Amore for being selected in the CFL Draft! We wish them the best as they chase their dreams at the next level!
Four Deacs Headline Field at Truist Championship, Including World #3 Cameron Young ('19)
Among the 72 players teeing off today in the Truist Championship in Charlotte are four Demon Deacons, highlighted by Cameron Young '19 who captured a thrilling victory on Sunday at the Cadillac Championship and is now ranked #3 in the world! He'll be joined by Alex Fitzpatrick '22, who secured his PGA TOUR Card thanks to a dramatic one-shot victory at the Zurich Classic alongside his brother Matt a few weeks ago. Michael Brennan '24 and hometown hero Webb Simpson '08 complete the strong contingent of Demon Deacons in the field. Be sure and represent with your Deacon attire if you are heading to Quail Hollow for the tournament!
Track Records Smashed At Kentner Stadium
The fourth annual Wake Forest Track Invitational at Kentner Stadium drew over 1,000 athletes from more than 70 schools, providing a significant economic boost to the Winston-Salem community. From Senior Day to school records, the Deacs saw massive performances from freshman Natalia Issler, who set the women's 800m mark at 2:02.28 to open the meet; then, senior Elizabeth Whaley, who shattered the women's 1500m record with 4:09.78 (over four seconds better), and junior Rocky Hansen reset the men's 1500m record at 3:35.75, the NCAA's fifth-fastest time this year. Thank you to all the volunteers, athletes, and – Coach John Hayes and his staff who made this incredible event possible.
Opening Night At Allegacy Stadium Less than Four Months Away
I'm making my final edits of this edition of From The Quad from a Manhattan hotel room getting ready to grab one of the super easy non-stop flights from NYC home to www.flypti.com after a few days of activities here with Coach Dickert, including a big crowd last night at Macquarie Capital. Many Wake fans have told me how much they enjoyed getting to know Coach Dickert in person on the road, and at the Spring Fan Fest. Whether you're eyeing Opening Night at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium on Sept. 3 or the soon-to-be-sold-out matchup on Sept. 18 against National Championship runner-up Miami, season tickets start at just $149, and 4-Packs are going fast!
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Wake Forest University
Time to grab your passport …Wake Forest football is taking DEACTOWN north of the border! We're thrilled to announce that the 2027 season will kick off with an epic Week Zero showdown against the Syracuse Orange at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada! And, thanks to a guaranteed slot on ABC or ESPN as well as distribution across Canada and beyond, the August 28 or 29, 2027 game will deliver the Demon Deacon football experience to millions of viewers.
The Deacs and the Orange will make history as the first college football game ever at BMO Field, which will be the site of several World Cup games this summer, including the Germany – Ivory Coast matchup on June 20th – and just the Deacs' second international contest, following our 1982 Mirage Bowl battle with Clemson in Tokyo (I know a few loyal FTQ readers remember that one!). We're thrilled to build on Coach Dickert's 9-4 inaugural season momentum by putting Wake Forest University, Demon Deacon football, Winston-Salem, and the ACC on the international stage and in the heart of a world-class city. Amidst the massive Canadian National Exhibition, attended annually by about 1.5 million people, DEACTOWN Toronto will offer an unprecedented experience for fans.
This opportunity has been in development for over a year through collaboration with ESPN's Clint Overby and Kristen Shaver, MLSE VP of Business Operations Chris Shewfelt, ACC Senior Vice President Michael Strickland and retiring Syracuse athletics director John Wildhack. We're excited for an explosive 2027 season kickoff – momentum that will build straight into our Duke's Mayo Classic showdown with Notre Dame in Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium on October 9, 2027. And thanks to the ACC's new 9 game conference schedule we will still have six games in Allegacy Financial Stadium – including four big ACC home games.
Stay tuned for ticket pre-sales, travel packages, and game-week details so you can join us in representing Wake Forest on the world stage!
Serving Notice: Deacs Eye Another Championship
Spring in DEACTOWN means championship season has arrived, and men's tennis is leading the charge. Last month, all eyes turned to the NCAA Division I selection show, where – unsurprisingly – Coach Tony Bresky's reigning national champions and 2026 ACC champions secured the tournament's top overall seed.
Tomorrow at 5:00 PM, the Deacs host UCF on Southern Family Courts, with a spot in the eight-team NCAA Finals on the line. Go ahead and grab your tickets while they last at GoDeacs.com and help pack Leighton Stadium to cheer on ACC Freshman of the Year Mees Rottgering, All-ACC Doubles First Team standouts DK Suresh Ekambaram and Andrew Delgado, and the entire Wake Forest squad as 2026 ACC Coach of the Year Tony Bresky serves up yet another contending team!
Bats Stay Hot as Deacs Sweep Their Way Into May
While Coach Bresky's Deacs were sweeping Navy (4-0) and Old Dominion (4-0) on the courts, Coach Tom Walter's Diamond Deacs were doing the same just steps away – battling through adversity to capture all three games over Louisville at David F. Couch Ballpark. Fans who packed the stands during the NC State series a few weeks ago also witnessed an offensive explosion, as Wake Forest plated 45 runs and launched 13 home runs against its Big Four rival. That energy carried into the Louisville series, where the Deacs walked off the winning run in both Thursday and Friday night's games before securing the sweep on Saturday afternoon.
Join us this weekend for the Deacs' final series against Western Carolina, May 8-10, before we head down to Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte for the ACC Championships, May 19-24. Then, be sure to tune in Monday, May 25 at 12 p.m. to see where the Deacs land in the 2026 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament.
Deacs Dominate Academic Performance Rankings
Wake Forest Athletics continues to set the standard for academic excellence, with seven programs earning perfect 1,000 single-year APR scores and three posting perfect multi-year marks in the NCAA's latest report. Football led the way with a perfect 1,000 for 2024-25 and a multi-year score above 990 – ranking #3 nationally among FBS programs. Women's basketball, women's golf and women's tennis also earned perfect multi-year scores, while football, men's golf, men's soccer, women's basketball, women's golf, women's tennis and volleyball all hit 1,000 for the year. The Deacs continue to prioritize the student in student-athlete, and I couldn't be more proud of their success. Thank you to our incredible student athlete services team and all the professors who teach our student-athletes!
Congratulations to Our 2026 Deacs!
On May 17, we will host one of my favorite annual events – our student-athlete graduation reception at Lowden Gym. It's always rewarding to see our graduating student-athletes and their families together enjoying one last Wake Forest World Class Student-Athlete Experience. This class of 104 Demon Deacons – 71 from spring/summer 2026 and 33 from fall 2025 – wore the Old Gold and Black in over 1,500 contests, winning 8 ACC team championships and two individual ACC titles, and building a legacy of bowl victories and NCAA post-season success, including the 2025 men's tennis national title. Their accomplishments, character, and leadership will embody Wake Forest's Pro Humanitate motto, and we can't wait to see where life takes them next! Graduates, remember, you always have a home at Wake Forest University and in Winston-Salem.
#ProDeacs Take Next Step In 2026 NFL Draft and Beyond
Congratulations to Demon Deacons Karon Prunty and Demond Claiborne for hearing their names called in the 2026 NFL Draft – Prunty selected in the fifth round (171st overall) by the New England Patriots and Claiborne in the sixth round (198th overall) by the Minnesota Vikings. Star safety Nick Andersen signed with the Los Angeles Rams, Jayden Loving with the Chicago Bears, Ladarius Webb Jr. is heading to Baltimore, and Eni Falayi is going up to the Green Bay Packers. Additionally, Dylan Hazen earned rookie minicamp invites to both the Las Vegas Raiders and Chicago Bears while George Sell received the same call from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Also – while we're discussing Demon Deacon football in Canada – congratulations to Nuer Gatkuoth and Fa'alili Fa'Amore for being selected in the CFL Draft! We wish them the best as they chase their dreams at the next level!
Four Deacs Headline Field at Truist Championship, Including World #3 Cameron Young ('19)
Among the 72 players teeing off today in the Truist Championship in Charlotte are four Demon Deacons, highlighted by Cameron Young '19 who captured a thrilling victory on Sunday at the Cadillac Championship and is now ranked #3 in the world! He'll be joined by Alex Fitzpatrick '22, who secured his PGA TOUR Card thanks to a dramatic one-shot victory at the Zurich Classic alongside his brother Matt a few weeks ago. Michael Brennan '24 and hometown hero Webb Simpson '08 complete the strong contingent of Demon Deacons in the field. Be sure and represent with your Deacon attire if you are heading to Quail Hollow for the tournament!
Track Records Smashed At Kentner Stadium
The fourth annual Wake Forest Track Invitational at Kentner Stadium drew over 1,000 athletes from more than 70 schools, providing a significant economic boost to the Winston-Salem community. From Senior Day to school records, the Deacs saw massive performances from freshman Natalia Issler, who set the women's 800m mark at 2:02.28 to open the meet; then, senior Elizabeth Whaley, who shattered the women's 1500m record with 4:09.78 (over four seconds better), and junior Rocky Hansen reset the men's 1500m record at 3:35.75, the NCAA's fifth-fastest time this year. Thank you to all the volunteers, athletes, and – Coach John Hayes and his staff who made this incredible event possible.
Opening Night At Allegacy Stadium Less than Four Months Away
I'm making my final edits of this edition of From The Quad from a Manhattan hotel room getting ready to grab one of the super easy non-stop flights from NYC home to www.flypti.com after a few days of activities here with Coach Dickert, including a big crowd last night at Macquarie Capital. Many Wake fans have told me how much they enjoyed getting to know Coach Dickert in person on the road, and at the Spring Fan Fest. Whether you're eyeing Opening Night at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium on Sept. 3 or the soon-to-be-sold-out matchup on Sept. 18 against National Championship runner-up Miami, season tickets start at just $149, and 4-Packs are going fast!
From the Quad Big 3
Finally, here are today's Big 3 ways to help the Deacs:
- Deacs in the Community: Deacs in the Community: Our Wake Forest football student-athletes have been busy making an impact in the Triad in addition to getting ready for final exams. The program hosted its annual Victory Day while giving back at Clemmons Community Day with the YMCA Youth Development group and volunteering at H.O.P.E. to pack and distribute food. Pro Humanitate in action!
- Check out the new Swinging Deacon golf apparel at WakeForestShop.com! Wake Forest Golf has always been at the heartbeat of Wake Forest Athletics, featuring legends like Arnold Palmer, Curtis Strange, and Lanny Wadkins. The Swinging Deacon is a hot item already, as evidenced by the great Chris Paul wearing it on ESPN during his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. Gear up with the Swinging Deacon apparel today!
- NCAA Golf Regionals Returning to Bermuda Run: From May 18-20, the Deacs will host 13 NCAA DI programs all looking to advance to the NCAA Championships in Carlsbad, CA. The Deacs have a storied history at Bermuda Run, highlighted by the 1986 NCAA team championship, which was preceded by Gary Hallberg's 1979 NCAA individual title on the same course. And, just a few years ago, Coach Lewellen's team finished third in the Bermuda run NCAA Regional in 2024, advancing to their sixth straight NCAA Championship. Admission is free, so come join me and cheer on the Deacs and check in at the Deacon Club hospitality tent too!
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Wake Forest University
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Tennis
/ Track and Field
/ Track and Field
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
/ Track and Field
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