Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest, Winston-Salem State Bands Unite for Opening Night at Allegacy Financial Stadium
8/26/2026 1:59:00 PM | Football
The Spirit of the Old Gold & Black and the Red Sea of Sound will share the field as Wake Forest hosts Akron on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Allegacy Financial Stadium.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest Football will celebrate the start of the 2026 season against Akron on Thursday, Sept. 3, with an authentic Winston-Salem music experience as the Spirit of the Old Gold & Black and Winston-Salem State University's Red Sea of Sound reunite for a joint performance on Opening Night.
Together, the bands will bring their traditions to Allegacy Stadium throughout Opening Night as the Demon Deacons begin Head Coach Jake Dickert's second season at the helm at 7 p.m. on ACC Network.
The 2026 collaboration will mark the third time the two bands have come together for Wake Forest Football Opening Night, with the Demon Deacons winning each of the previous two games. The bands first shared the field before a capacity Opening Night crowd in 2019, as Wake Forest earned a memorable 38–35 victory over Utah State on the way to an 8–5 season and an appearance in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.
The two bands reunited in 2021 as Wake Forest defeated Old Dominion, 42–10, to begin a season in which the Demon Deacons became just the second team in program history to win 11 games, tied the program record with seven conference victories and posted a perfect 6–0 home record.
The Winston-Salem State University Red Sea of Sound Marching Band is composed of 145 students majoring in Music Education, Music Business and other disciplines throughout the University.
The Red Sea of Sound has earned widespread recognition for its performances at events including the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis, the Cleveland Classic and the New York City Urban League Classic. The band has also performed with acclaimed artists Donald Lawrence and Gerald Albright and has appeared at the Honda Battle of the Bands in Atlanta on multiple occasions.
The Spirit of the Old Gold & Black (SOTOGAB) includes Wake Forest's marching band, pep bands and basketball bands. As the oldest college marching band in North Carolina, SOTOGAB brings together students from a wide range of majors, musical interests and backgrounds, including participants from local colleges in Wake Forest's Shared Experience Program, such as Salem College and Forsyth Technical Community College.
Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University share a long-standing commitment to expanding opportunity and investing in the Winston-Salem community. That partnership includes initiatives such as Winston-Salem TEACH, which brings Wake Forest, Winston-Salem State, Salem Academy and College, and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools together to prepare and support teachers for high-need local schools, as well as Wake Forest Law's Program for Legal Access and Career Excellence, which provides students at WSSU and other partner institutions with support and pathways toward legal education.
What They're Saying
Wake Forest University President, Peter Rodriguez:
"We are thrilled to kick off football season at Wake Forest with The Spirit of the Old Gold and Black teaming up with Winston-Salem State's Red Sea of Sound. Musical collaboration is an excellent reminder of the ways members of communities make each other better. I look forward to building on our established mutual respect and to fostering growth and wellbeing for our students, faculty, staff, and neighbors in Winston-Salem."
Winston-Salem State University Chancellor, Bonita J. Brown:
"This collaboration with our Red Sea of Sound is a powerful reflection of the strong and growing relationship between Winston-Salem State and Wake Forest University," said WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. Brown. "As two institutions deeply rooted in Winston-Salem, we are leveraging our collective strengths to expand opportunities for our students and strengthen the community we both call home. I am excited about what we are building together and what is still to come."
Wake Forest Director of Athletic Bands, Dr. Tim Heath:
"Opening Night is always a special opportunity to celebrate the start of a new season, and having the Red Sea of Sound join the Spirit of the Old Gold & Black makes the night even more memorable. We are looking forward to bringing our students together, sharing the field and creating a performance that reflects the energy and spirit of Winston-Salem."
Winston-Salem State University Director of Bands, Dr. Michael Magruder:
"There is something special about bringing these two bands together and seeing our students share the field, their talent and their love of music. Our students take tremendous pride in representing Winston-Salem State and performing alongside the Spirit of the Old Gold & Black gives them an opportunity to create something memorable for the entire community. We are excited to bring the Red Sea of Sound back to Allegacy Financial Stadium and put on a great show."
Wake Forest Vice President & Director of Athletics, John Currie:
"Witnessing the Red Sea of Sound and the Spirit of the Old, Gold & Black take the field together for the first time in history on Opening Night 2019 remains one of the most memorable moments of my career. I am fired up for the third joint performance of these two very special groups of dedicated students in a packed Allegacy Financial Stadium next Thursday night."
Season Ticket Offers
Following Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie's call to embrace the "One More Rule," Wake Forest Athletics is encouraging supporters to make a personal commitment to attend at least one more Wake Forest football game in person in 2026 than they did in 2025.
Fans can secure the Built in the Dark season ticket plan for $149 per ticket while inventory lasts. Full season ticket options and pricing are available 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
Fans with questions, feedback or ideas are encouraged to email wfsports@wfu.edu.
Follow on Social Media
Follow the Deacs on social media and GoDeacs.com for the latest announcements and news.
Accounts
Together, the bands will bring their traditions to Allegacy Stadium throughout Opening Night as the Demon Deacons begin Head Coach Jake Dickert's second season at the helm at 7 p.m. on ACC Network.
The 2026 collaboration will mark the third time the two bands have come together for Wake Forest Football Opening Night, with the Demon Deacons winning each of the previous two games. The bands first shared the field before a capacity Opening Night crowd in 2019, as Wake Forest earned a memorable 38–35 victory over Utah State on the way to an 8–5 season and an appearance in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.
The two bands reunited in 2021 as Wake Forest defeated Old Dominion, 42–10, to begin a season in which the Demon Deacons became just the second team in program history to win 11 games, tied the program record with seven conference victories and posted a perfect 6–0 home record.
The Winston-Salem State University Red Sea of Sound Marching Band is composed of 145 students majoring in Music Education, Music Business and other disciplines throughout the University.
The Red Sea of Sound has earned widespread recognition for its performances at events including the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis, the Cleveland Classic and the New York City Urban League Classic. The band has also performed with acclaimed artists Donald Lawrence and Gerald Albright and has appeared at the Honda Battle of the Bands in Atlanta on multiple occasions.
The Spirit of the Old Gold & Black (SOTOGAB) includes Wake Forest's marching band, pep bands and basketball bands. As the oldest college marching band in North Carolina, SOTOGAB brings together students from a wide range of majors, musical interests and backgrounds, including participants from local colleges in Wake Forest's Shared Experience Program, such as Salem College and Forsyth Technical Community College.
Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University share a long-standing commitment to expanding opportunity and investing in the Winston-Salem community. That partnership includes initiatives such as Winston-Salem TEACH, which brings Wake Forest, Winston-Salem State, Salem Academy and College, and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools together to prepare and support teachers for high-need local schools, as well as Wake Forest Law's Program for Legal Access and Career Excellence, which provides students at WSSU and other partner institutions with support and pathways toward legal education.
What They're Saying
Wake Forest University President, Peter Rodriguez:
"We are thrilled to kick off football season at Wake Forest with The Spirit of the Old Gold and Black teaming up with Winston-Salem State's Red Sea of Sound. Musical collaboration is an excellent reminder of the ways members of communities make each other better. I look forward to building on our established mutual respect and to fostering growth and wellbeing for our students, faculty, staff, and neighbors in Winston-Salem."
Winston-Salem State University Chancellor, Bonita J. Brown:
"This collaboration with our Red Sea of Sound is a powerful reflection of the strong and growing relationship between Winston-Salem State and Wake Forest University," said WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. Brown. "As two institutions deeply rooted in Winston-Salem, we are leveraging our collective strengths to expand opportunities for our students and strengthen the community we both call home. I am excited about what we are building together and what is still to come."
Wake Forest Director of Athletic Bands, Dr. Tim Heath:
"Opening Night is always a special opportunity to celebrate the start of a new season, and having the Red Sea of Sound join the Spirit of the Old Gold & Black makes the night even more memorable. We are looking forward to bringing our students together, sharing the field and creating a performance that reflects the energy and spirit of Winston-Salem."
Winston-Salem State University Director of Bands, Dr. Michael Magruder:
"There is something special about bringing these two bands together and seeing our students share the field, their talent and their love of music. Our students take tremendous pride in representing Winston-Salem State and performing alongside the Spirit of the Old Gold & Black gives them an opportunity to create something memorable for the entire community. We are excited to bring the Red Sea of Sound back to Allegacy Financial Stadium and put on a great show."
Wake Forest Vice President & Director of Athletics, John Currie:
"Witnessing the Red Sea of Sound and the Spirit of the Old, Gold & Black take the field together for the first time in history on Opening Night 2019 remains one of the most memorable moments of my career. I am fired up for the third joint performance of these two very special groups of dedicated students in a packed Allegacy Financial Stadium next Thursday night."
Season Ticket Offers
Following Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie's call to embrace the "One More Rule," Wake Forest Athletics is encouraging supporters to make a personal commitment to attend at least one more Wake Forest football game in person in 2026 than they did in 2025.
Fans can secure the Built in the Dark season ticket plan for $149 per ticket while inventory lasts. Full season ticket options and pricing are available 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
Fans with questions, feedback or ideas are encouraged to email wfsports@wfu.edu.
Follow on Social Media
Follow the Deacs on social media and GoDeacs.com for the latest announcements and news.
Accounts
- @WakeFB
- @DemonDeacons
- @WakeForest
- @WFUAlumni
- @WSSU1892 (Instagram)
- @WSSURams (X)
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