Let's talk Wake Forest Football.
Best / Worst Case Record for :
Louisville | Virginia | Miami | Duke | Georgia Tech | SMU | Boston College | Pittsburgh | Florida State | Cal | Virginia Tech | NC State |Clemson | Syracuse | North Carolina | Stanford
Wake Forest
Wake Forest always seems to find coaches that make the Deacs then they should seem. From Jim Grobe to Dave Clawson to now Jake Dickert. Wake Forest put together a remarkable 9-4 season that included a bowl win over Mississippi State. Jake Dickert received some ACC Coach of the Year consideration, and deservedly so. Wake Forest’s schedule is considerably tougher in 2026, but Wake Forest has proven over the years to be a team that you better not underestimate.
Will Go 7-5 (4-5) if:
The defense can hold up. The offense has a ton of turnover, but the defense last year was top 30. It’s going to have to carry Wake Forest through a good portion of the season. A game at Purdue is pivotal, as Miami and Louisville are games 3 and 4. Stanford is after those, and that’s a good chance at a win. You get Akron, Purdue, and Stanford, and you probably start the season 3-2. Merrimack would be win 4. Then, like last year, Wake Forest is going to have to sneak up on some teams. There’s a chance to get Virginia or Duke at home. Could Wake Forest steal a couple of road games at NC State, Cal, or Georgia Tech? SMU might be out of reach. Dickert proved his coaching chops last year. Just that might be worth a couple of wins.
Will Go 3-9 (1-8) if:
The defense struggles. I don’t think Wake Forest will be able to count on the offense, especially early in the season. If the defense isn’t top 30- 40 again, things could fall apart fast. Miami, Louisville, and SMU are on the schedule; that’s probably 3 losses. Who will Wake Forest be favored against after Akron and Merrimack? Stanford, most likely, then who? I don’t think last year was a one – hit wonder of coaching for Jake Dickert, but Wake Forest isn’t sneaking up on anyone in 2026.
