WINSTON-SALEM – Gio Lopez waited nine months to get hit again.

Once he did, Wake Forest's new quarterback could get back to doing what he came to Winston-Salem to do.

The North Carolina transfer threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns as Wake Forest raced to a 28-3 halftime lead and opened its season with a 38-16 victory over Akron on Thursday night at Allegacy Financial Stadium.

Lopez completed 21 of 32 passes without an interception and helped the Demon Deacons pile up 559 yards of offense. Wake Forest averaged 8.2 yards per play and scored touchdowns through the air from 27, 72 and 78 yards. 

For Lopez, it was his first game action since suffering a broken fibula the last time he was tackled.

“I was like, ‘I haven't been tackled in like nine months,’” Lopez said. “You get that first hit, you're like, ‘All right, we're good.’”

Wake Forest didn't need long to settle in.

Lopez capped an eight-play, 82-yard opening possession with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Ke'Shawn Shanks. Connor Calvert added a 25-yard field goal later in the first quarter to make it 10-0.

Then the Demon Deacons started producing the explosive plays that broke the game open.

Lopez connected with Antonio Meeks for a 72-yard touchdown less than four minutes into the second quarter. After another Calvert field goal, Lopez found Carlos Hernandez for a 78-yard score, giving Wake Forest a 28-0 advantage with 4:57 remaining before halftime. Akron's only first-half points came on a 28-yard field goal. 

“I felt very in control,” Lopez said. “I trust Coach Ezell when he's telling me what the play is or whatever the check is. So it's full belief in Coach Ezell just to get us in the right situation, and I just go and execute the play that he called.”

Hernandez became Lopez's biggest target, catching five passes for 165 yards. Kam Shanks finished with five receptions for 55 yards, while Antonio Meeks had three catches for 93.

Lopez credited his receivers for turning throws into big gains, something Wake Forest couldn't fully simulate during practices designed to limit contact.

“They did a really good job with the ball in their hands,” Lopez said. “To see those guys make plays with the ball in their hand after the catch was super exciting for me just to be a fan and watch those guys play.”

His connection with Hernandez goes beyond football.

“That's my best friend,” Lopez said. “We're super close off the field and super close on the field.”

Wake Forest also found explosiveness on the ground. Running back Ty Clark rushed seven times for 105 yards, including a 57-yard run, while Deuce Lawrence added 52 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown. 

Yet coach Jake Dickert wasn't interested in allowing a comfortable season-opening victory to obscure Wake Forest's mistakes.

“Success can be an illusion,” Dickert said. “I thought we were sloppy in a lot of phases of this game.”

Wake Forest managed only three points in the third quarter and was outscored 13-7 in the fourth as Akron scored twice against the Demon Deacons' reserves. Dickert also wanted more physicality from the running game and was disappointed with how his defense finished.

“There's so much to clean up from this tape,” Dickert said. “We'll show them the good, we'll be excited about where we go from here, but we've got to be a better football team in nine days.”

Lopez offered a similar assessment.

“I think we did a really good job executing the playbook,” he said. “I think we've got to be better in the second half, just overall keeping the energy going.”

The degree of difficulty now increases.

Wake Forest travels to West Lafayette, Indiana, in nine days to face Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium.

“I think we're super excited to go to Purdue,” Lopez said, “go to their stadium and play in a stadium that isn't ours, but try to win a game.

CHARLOTTE – Jake Dickert didn’t waste time defining what Wake Forest football is supposed to be. He said it plainly, repeatedly, and with the conviction of a coach who knows exactly what he wants his program to look like.

Wake Forest is built in the dark.

It’s not a slogan. It’s not a marketing line. It’s the identity Dickert has hammered into the program since the day he arrived – humility, hunger, development, toughness, and a willingness to do the work when nobody’s watching.

Last year, that identity produced one of the quietest nine‑win seasons in ACC history. Wake Forest tied for the third‑best season in school history, won the Duke’s Mayo Bowl over an SEC opponent, and did it with a roster that was supposed to finish near the bottom of the league.

Dickert didn’t shy away from the challenge of sustaining it. “Good is the enemy of great,” he said. “Last year’s hunger, I can’t recreate that. This year’s team has to be humble enough to turn the lights out and get back in the dark.”

Wake Forest returns 60 players, adds more than 50 newcomers, and has one of the best staff retention rates in the country. That continuity is the backbone of Dickert’s confidence. “We can win in a lot of different ways,” he said. “We retained a tremendous depth of experience on the defensive side of the ball.”

The Deacons aren’t trying to be Clemson or Miami. Dickert made that clear. “If we think and act like Miami, we’re not going to be successful,” he said. “There’s a perfect lane of Wake Forest football.” That lane is development, connection, and consistency, and the roster reflects it.

Stability at quarterback

Wake Forest hasn’t always had stability under center, but Dickert believes he has it now in Gio Lopez, the South Alabama transfer who briefly landed at UNC before choosing Wake.

Lopez didn’t need to learn the offense from scratch – Wake’s OC Rob Ezell coached him at South Alabama. “The adjustment was pretty smooth,” Lopez said. “I already knew it.” That familiarity allowed Lopez to lead from day one. “You can’t ask for respect if you’re not doing the right things,” he said. “I had to show up early, be the first guy in, last guy out.” Lopez brings experience, mobility, and a calm presence,  and he’ll play behind a defense that expects to carry its weight.

A defense with continuity

Wake Forest’s defensive front returns intact, and Langston Hardy is the headliner. He doubled his sack total last season and became one of the ACC’s most disruptive edge players.

Hardy missed the spring with an injury, but used the time to become a better leader. “I was able to see things from a different lens,” he said. “How guys like to be coached, how they like to be led.”

The connection across the front four is real. “I can look to my right and see Dallas or Zach and know exactly what stunt we’re running,” Hardy said. “Connection is our edge.”

Then there’s Davaughn Patterson, the versatile chess piece who played through a sports hernia in both groins last season. “My body was hurting, but mentally I wanted to be there for my teammates,” Patterson said. He can line up at defensive end, blitz from the slot, or drop into coverage, and Dickert loves having that flexibility. “He’s one of the fiercest competitors you could ever imagine,” Dickert said.

Schedule Breakdown

Wake Forest’s 2026 schedule is a mix of manageable openers, tricky travel, and a November stretch that will determine whether the Deacons can match last year’s success.

Sep. 3 vs. Akron 

Sep. 12 at Purdue  

Sep. 18 vs. Miami

Akron is a tune‑up, but Purdue on the road is a legitimate early test. Miami on a Friday night in Winston‑Salem will be one of the biggest home games of the season.

If Wake starts 2-1, they’ll be positioned well.

Sep. 26 at Louisville  

Oct. 3 vs. Stanford  

Oct. 10 at NC State  

Oct. 17 at Cal  

This is the stretch that will define Wake Forest’s season. Louisville on the road is tough. Stanford at home is winnable. Then comes a brutal two‑week run: at NC State, then a cross‑country trip to Berkeley to play Cal. If Wake goes 2-2 here, they’re still in the hunt.

Oct. 31 vs. Virginia  

Nov. 7 vs. Merrimack  

Virginia isn’t the pushover it used to be. The Cavaliers reached the ACC title game last season and return enough talent to make this a dangerous matchup. Wake Forest will need to be sharp here, especially coming off a long travel stretch.

Then the difficulty spikes:

Nov. 14 at SMU  

Nov. 21 at Georgia Tech  

Nov. 28 vs. Duke  

SMU and Georgia Tech on the road will test Wake’s depth and toughness. Duke at home is a rivalry game that could determine bowl positioning, or more.

Photos courtesy of ACC Digital Services

CHARLOTTE – The scoreboard flashed three points for Mississippi State, and Koredell Bartley erased them in a hundred-yard flash less than twenty seconds later.

That opening sequence set the pattern for a Friday night at Bank of America Stadium where Wake Forest found answers for everything Mississippi State attempted, pulling away for a 43-29 victory in the Duke's Mayo Bowl that secured nine wins in Jake Dickert's debut season as head coach.

Robby Ashford accounted for five touchdowns, including three through the air and two on the ground, completing 20 of 33 passes for 303 yards while rushing 14 times for 50 yards. The redshirt senior quarterback from Hoover, Alabama earned MVP honors for a performance that answered every Mississippi State scoring threat with an offensive counter.

"I just think back to a year ago today when we actually had our first portal visits," Dickert said. "We brought in over 40 new players. The guys that were here accepted everything that we wanted to do. I think we laid a tremendous foundation. Nine wins is really special and I'm proud of these guys."

The Bulldogs opened the game with purpose, as Kamario Taylor connected with Brenen Thompson for 51 yards on the first play from scrimmage. But the Wake Forest defense tightened inside the red zone, forcing Kyle Ferrie to attempt a 33-yard field goal that gave Mississippi State an early 3-0 advantage.

Bartley, a freshman from Dudley High School in Greensboro, fielded the ensuing kickoff at his own goal line and found a seam up the right side. The return covered all hundred yards and gave Wake Forest the lead 22 seconds after losing it. Sawyer Racanelli threw a two-point conversion pass to Eni Falayi, putting the Demon Deacons ahead 8-3 just over two minutes into the contest.

Mississippi State responded with Ferrie's second field goal, a 50-yarder that cut the deficit to 8-6. Wake Forest needed its offense to establish rhythm after the special teams spark, and Ashford delivered on a nine-play, 75-yard drive that consumed 3:23. He found Kamrean Johnson in the corner of the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown with 3:49 remaining in the first quarter. Connor Calvert's extra point extended the lead to 15-6.

The Demon Deacons held Mississippi State on downs at the Wake Forest 10-yard line early in the second quarter. Frank Cusano and Nuer Gatkuoth combined to stop Fluff Bothwell for a two-yard loss on fourth-and-one, ending a nine-play drive that had covered 53 yards from the Bulldogs' 37.

Ferrie added his third field goal from 23 yards following a 10-play, 56-yard possession that consumed 5:11. Nick Andersen recorded a sack on the drive, helping force the field goal attempt that made it 15-9 with 6:15 left in the half.

Wake Forest opened the second half with three plays that covered 75 yards in 54 seconds. Ashford dropped back on third-and-10 and launched a pass down the middle that Jack Foley caught at the Mississippi State 19 and carried into the end zone. The 64-yard touchdown marked Foley's first career reception. Ashford kept the ball on the two-point conversion, extending the advantage to 23-9.

Dallas Afalava sacked Taylor on Mississippi State's next possession, contributing to a drive that ended with Ferrie's fourth field goal of the game from 36 yards. The Bulldogs trailed 23-12 with 9:24 remaining in the third quarter.

Wake Forest responded with its most methodical drive of the night, marching 75 yards over 11 plays and 5:05. Ty Clark gained 12 yards on a rush to the Mississippi State 49, and Ashford converted a third-and-one with a 10-yard rush to the 24. After a pass interference penalty moved the ball to the two-yard line, Ashford powered into the end zone. Calvert's extra point made it 30-12 with 4:19 left in the third.

Mississippi State needed just 4:19 to answer, driving 65 yards in eight plays. Luke Kromenhoek connected with Anthony Evans III for 39 yards to the four-yard line, and Taylor scored from one yard out on the final play of the third quarter. Taylor then threw a two-point conversion pass to Seydou Traore, cutting Wake Forest's lead to 30-20.

The Bulldogs forced a Wake Forest punt and needed just 1:09 to cover 84 yards in four plays. Taylor found Sanfrisco Magee for 42 yards and a touchdown, with Ferrie's extra point pulling Mississippi State within 30-27 with 10:17 remaining.

Wake Forest absorbed the punch and drove 63 yards in 10 plays, taking 6:03 off the clock. Ashford completed passes to Clark for nine yards and to Racanelli for 25 yards, reaching the one-yard line. He scored on a quarterback sneak with 4:07 left in regulation.

Nevaeh Sanders blocked Calvert's extra point attempt, and Kelley Jones fielded the ball at the 14-yard line, racing 86 yards for a defensive two-point conversion that pulled Mississippi State within 36-29.

The Demon Deacons needed one first down to seal the victory but instead delivered a knockout. On third-and-seven from the Wake Forest 38, Ashford flipped a pass to Clark in the flat. The sophomore from Tampa found space along the left sideline and covered 62 yards for the touchdown with 2:15 remaining. Calvert's extra point restored the 14-point margin at 43-29.

Mississippi State attempted one final drive but turned the ball over on downs at its own 32 with 1:02 left. Wake Forest took two kneel-downs to end the contest.

Clark finished with 91 rushing yards on 17 carries and added three receptions for 73 yards, including the game-sealing touchdown reception. Carlos Hernandez caught six passes for 73 yards, and Sterling Berkhalter had five receptions for 34 yards.

For Mississippi State, Taylor completed 13 of 22 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown but was sacked three times. Kromenhoek completed three of five passes for 53 yards but was sacked twice. Taylor rushed 18 times for 63 yards and a touchdown. Thompson caught four passes for 106 yards, and Evans hauled in four receptions for 80 yards.

Andersen led Wake Forest with 12 tackles, including six solo stops and a sack. The Demon Deacons recorded five sacks and nine tackles for loss as a team. Jalen Smith led Mississippi State with 12 tackles.

Wake Forest's nine victories equal the program's fourth-highest win total in 118 years of football, joining the 2021 (11-3), 2006 (11-3) and 2007 (9-4) teams. The Demon Deacons have won three consecutive bowl games, matching program streaks from 1992-2002 and 2016-18.

Dickert's nine wins represent the most by a first-year head coach in Wake Forest history, surpassing the seven victories Bill Dooley recorded in 1987. The Demon Deacons improved to 5-1 against SEC opponents in the College Football Playoff era.

Bartley's kickoff return marked Wake Forest's second such touchdown this season, the first time the program has recorded two in the same year since 1952. The return tied the longest play in program history, matching Demond Claiborne's kickoff return at Miami in 2024 and Alphonso Smith's 100-yard interception return against Maryland in 2007.

North Carolina will be well represented in the college football postseason. Four of the state’s seven FBS programs, NC State, Duke, Wake Forest, and East Carolina, secured bowl invitations Sunday as the 2025-26 lineup was announced. After several teams declined, App State accepted a bowl invitation late Sunday as well. North Carolina and Charlotte were left out of the field, leaving five teams to carry the state’s banner into December and January.

NC State – Gasparilla Bowl

NC State (7-5) heads to Tampa to face Memphis (8-4) in the Gasparilla Bowl on Dec. 19. The Wolfpack closed the season with a rivalry win over UNC and will lean on their defense to slow a Tigers offense averaging more than 30 points per game. Kickoff is 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Duke – Sun Bowl

Fresh off its first outright ACC title since 1962, Duke (8-5) meets Arizona State (8-4) in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31. The Blue Devils’ defense will be tested by ASU’s dual-threat quarterback, while coach Manny Diaz looks to cap his debut season with a statement win. Game time is 2 p.m. ET on CBS.

Wake Forest – Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Wake Forest (8-4) returns to Charlotte for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Mississippi State (5-7) on Jan. 2. First-year coach Jake Dickert guided the Deacs to a steady finish, and his offense will try to exploit a Bulldogs team that slipped into the postseason via APR. Kickoff is 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

East Carolina – Military Bowl

East Carolina (8-4) rides late-season momentum into the Military Bowl against Pitt (8-4) on Dec. 27. Quarterback Katin Houser leads a Pirates offense averaging nearly 500 yards per game, while Pitt counters with a physical defense that thrives on pressure. The game begins at 11 a.m. ET on ESPN.

App State – Birmingham Bowl

App State (5-7) steps into the Birmingham Bowl against Georgia Southern (7-5) on Dec. 29. The Mountaineers accepted a late invitation after several teams declined, setting up a Sun Belt rivalry rematch at Protective Stadium. Kickoff is 2 p.m. ET on ESPN.

DURHAM – Duke captured its second consecutive North Carolina “state championship” with a 49-32 victory over Wake Forest on Saturday at Wallace Wade Stadium, completing a season sweep of the Old North State's ACC programs.

The Blue Devils (7-5, 6-2 ACC) secured back-to-back state titles for the first time since 1961-62, defeating NC State, North Carolina and Wake Forest in successive seasons. The victory also gave Duke six ACC wins for the first time since 2013 and marked just the fourth time in program history the Blue Devils have reached that conference win total.

Quarterback Darian Mensah made history in the third quarter, throwing his 27th touchdown pass of the season to set a new Duke single-season record. The sophomore connected with Sahmir Hagans on a 30-yard scoring strike to extend the lead to 28-17 with 9:45 remaining in the third period.

Running back Nate Sheppard had a breakout performance, rushing for 75 yards and two touchdowns while establishing new Duke freshman records. His 13-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter was his ninth rushing touchdown of the season, breaking the previous freshman mark of eight. The performance also pushed Sheppard to 865 rushing yards for the year, another freshman program record.

Anderson Castle complemented Sheppard's ground game with two short touchdown runs, giving him 11 rushing scores on the season. That total ties for eighth-most in a single season in Duke program history. Castle finished with 21 yards on 12 carries.

Wake Forest (8-4, 4-4 ACC) quarterback Robby Ashford completed 27 of 43 passes for 342 yards and two touchdowns, adding a rushing score as well. However, the Demon Deacons were plagued by turnovers, losing three fumbles while Ashford threw one interception.

Duke established control early, taking a 7-0 lead on its opening drive when Sheppard scored from five yards out. The 75-yard march marked the fourth time in five games the Blue Devils had scored on their first possession.

The Demon Deacons responded with a 42-yard Connor Calvert field goal to cut the deficit to 7-3, but Mensah answered on the final play of the first quarter with a four-yard touchdown run for a 14-3 Duke advantage. The score was Mensah's first rushing touchdown as a Blue Devil and second of his career.

Wake Forest's Sawyer Racanelli caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from Ashford early in the second quarter to make it 14-10, but Duke responded after stopping the Demon Deacons on fourth down at their own 36-yard line. Castle's one-yard touchdown plunge with 1:38 left in the half extended the lead to 21-10.

Ashford connected with Karate Brenson on a 20-yard touchdown pass with 29 seconds remaining in the half to bring Wake Forest within 21-17 at the break.

The third quarter proved decisive for Duke. After both teams punted on their opening possessions, Mensah found Hagans for the record-breaking touchdown pass. Ashford answered with a 10-yard rushing touchdown and successful two-point conversion on the final play of the quarter to cut the deficit to 35-25.

Hagans provided the game's most explosive play moments later, returning the ensuing kickoff 80 yards to the Wake Forest 13-yard line. Sheppard capped the short drive with his record-setting ninth touchdown run, pushing the lead to 42-25 with 13:57 remaining.

Wake Forest's Ty Clark scored on a one-yard run to make it 42-32 with 11:13 left, but Duke's defense took control down the stretch. The Blue Devils forced fumbles on consecutive Wake Forest possessions, with linebacker Luke Mergott recovering two of them.

Mensah sealed the victory with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Hasley with 23 seconds remaining. The sophomore finished 24 of 35 for 268 yards and two touchdowns through the air while adding the rushing score.

Cooper Barkate led Duke's receiving corps with eight catches for 83 yards, while Sheppard added five receptions for 60 yards to complement his rushing performance.

For Wake Forest, Racanelli hauled in seven catches for 123 yards and a touchdown, while Carlos Hernandez added six receptions for 93 yards. Running back Demond Claiborne rushed for 58 yards on 13 carries.

The victory improved Duke's four-year ACC win total to 20, the second-most in program history behind only the 21 conference victories from 1960-63. The senior class tied the program record for most wins in a four-year span with 33.

Both teams will learn their bowl destinations on Dec. 7.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Wake Forest earned its highest-ranked road victory in more than four decades Saturday, relying on defense and special teams to defeat No. 12 Virginia 16-9 at Scott Stadium.

Junior Carlos Hernandez broke open a defensive battle late in the second quarter with an 88-yard punt return touchdown, the second-longest in program history and the only touchdown of the night. Redshirt freshman kicker Connor Calvert added field goals from 39, 50, and 49 yards as Wake Forest improved to 6-3 overall and 3-3 in the ACC, clinching bowl eligibility in head coach Jake Dickert’s first season.

Early defensive stands and a special teams spark

Virginia struck first after blocking a Wake Forest punt on the opening series and converting a short field into a 34-yard field goal by Will Bettridge. The Cavaliers extended their lead to 6-0 midway through the second quarter following a 91-yard drive that stalled at the Wake Forest 4-yard line.

Wake Forest’s offense moved inside the Virginia 10 on its next possession but turned the ball over on downs at the 5 after four straight running plays. The Deacon defense held, and Hernandez’s return flipped the game moments later. Fielding a punt near his own 12, Hernandez weaved through traffic down the left sideline for Wake’s first punt return touchdown since 2023, giving the visitors a 7-6 lead with 1:33 remaining in the half.

Less than a minute later, Wake Forest’s defense forced a fumble when defensive lineman Dallas Afalava sacked Virginia quarterback Daniel Kaelin and Langston Hardy recovered at the Cavalier 31. Calvert converted the takeaway into a 39-yard field goal to send the Deacs into halftime ahead 10-6.

Defense preserves the lead

Virginia opened the third quarter with its third field goal of the game, trimming the deficit to 10-9. The Cavaliers had success moving the ball, finishing with 327 total yards to Wake’s 203, but turnovers and red-zone stops proved decisive.

On Virginia’s next series, defensive end Nuer Gatkuoth stripped Kaelin, and linebacker Dylan Hazen recovered at midfield. Calvert’s 50-yard field goal extended the lead to 13-9. Wake’s offense managed only 139 rushing yards and 64 through the air, but its defense forced three fumbles, recovered all of them, and recorded two sacks.

The Deacs used their longest drive of the night, a 16-play, 48-yard march that consumed more than nine minutes, to add Calvert’s final 49-yard kick with 3:53 left in the fourth quarter.

Virginia’s last two possessions ended with turnovers on downs, the final one coming at the Wake Forest 5-yard line in the closing seconds.

Numbers tell the story

Wake Forest converted five of 17 third downs but was 4-for-6 after halftime, keeping the ball for nearly 11 minutes in the fourth quarter. Hazen led the defense with seven tackles, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and 1.5 tackles for loss. Afalava and Gatkuoth each added sacks and forced fumbles.

Virginia outgained Wake Forest 327-203, led by running back J’Mari Taylor’s 98 rushing yards and 30 receiving yards. Kaelin completed 18 of 28 passes for 145 yards before finishing with two lost fumbles. Trell Harris caught six passes for 60 yards.

For Wake Forest, running back Demond Claiborne carried 25 times for 75 yards and added two receptions. Quarterback Robby Ashford completed 7 of 16 passes for 46 yards and rushed for 57 more.

The win marked Wake Forest’s sixth over Virginia in the last seven meetings and its third straight victory in Charlottesville. It also marked the first time since 1964 that the Deacs have beaten both Virginia and Virginia Tech on the road in the same season.

Top performers:

• Carlos Hernandez: 3 punt returns, 124 yards, 1 TD
• Connor Calvert: 3-for-3 FGs (long of 50)
• Dylan Hazen: 7 tackles, 2 FR, 1 FF
• Demond Claiborne: 25 rushes, 75 yards
• J’Mari Taylor (UVA): 19 carries, 98 yards; 7 catches, 30 yards

BLACKSBURG, VA – Wake Forest converted when it mattered most Saturday at Lane Stadium, defeating Virginia Tech 30-23 in a game that showcased two contrasting halves and came down to a final defensive stand in Blacksburg.

The Deacons improved to 3-2 overall and 1-2 in conference play behind quarterback Robby Ashford's 256 passing yards and a balanced offensive attack that racked up 347 total yards. Virginia Tech dropped to 2-4 and 1-1 in conference action despite outgaining Wake Forest on the ground 152-91.

Wake Forest's offense found its rhythm in the second quarter after a slow start. Trailing 7-3 early in the period, the Deacons scored three touchdowns in a span of 10 minutes and 51 seconds to seize control. Running back Demond Claiborne capped a nine-play, 75-yard drive with an 11-yard touchdown run to put Wake Forest ahead 10-7. After Virginia Tech responded with a touchdown pass from Kyron Drones to Takye Heath, the Deacons answered immediately with a seven-play, 55-yard march that ended with Ty Clark's 3-yard scoring plunge.

The most impressive drive came with just 1:39 remaining in the half. Starting from the Virginia Tech 44-yard line following a punt, Wake Forest moved quickly down the field. Ashford completed passes of 6 and 17 yards to Carlos Hernandez and Micah Mays Jr., then scrambled for 3 yards before finding Eni Falayi for an 11-yard touchdown with 10 seconds left in the half. The seven-play sequence gave Wake Forest a 24-14 halftime advantage and all the momentum.

Virginia Tech refused to fold in the second half. The Hokies dominated the third quarter, holding possession for 10 minutes and 19 seconds while scoring nine points. A 12-play, 60-yard drive resulted in John Love's 32-yard field goal. After forcing a three-and-out, Virginia Tech added another Love field goal from 38 yards. When Wake Forest answered with Connor Calvert's 29-yard field goal, the Hokies drove again, this time converting a turnover into three more points. Isaiah Brown-Murray's interception of Ashford at the Wake Forest 15-yard line set up Love's third field goal of the quarter, a 34-yarder that cut the deficit to 27-23 heading into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter belonged to Wake Forest's ability to sustain drives and keep the Hokies' offense off the field. The decisive series began at the Wake Forest 31-yard line with 8:44 remaining. Ashford efficiently moved the chains, converting three third downs during the 13-play drive. A pass interference penalty on Virginia Tech's Jordan Bass moved the ball to the Hokies 26, and Wake Forest methodically worked the clock down. Facing fourth-and-5 from the Virginia Tech 10, Calvert connected on a 27-yard field goal with 2:14 left to extend the lead to 30-23.

Virginia Tech's final possession began at its own 25-yard line with 2:08 remaining. Drones scrambled for 4 yards on first down, but the drive stalled quickly. An incompletion to P.J. Prioleau was followed by another incompletion under pressure from Karon Prunty. On fourth-and-6, Drones looked deep for Heath, but Nick Andersen broke up the pass at the Wake Forest 45-yard line, ending Virginia Tech's comeback hopes with 1:43 on the clock.

Ashford completed 24 of 39 passes with one touchdown and one interception. He also contributed on the ground with 22 yards on 13 carries, though he lost 17 yards on sacks. His primary targets were Hernandez and Chris Barnes, who each caught five passes. Hernandez gained 51 yards while Barnes added 21 yards and 21 rushing yards. Sawyer Racanelli provided the big-play element with three catches for 88 yards, including a 62-yard reception in the third quarter that set up Calvert's field goal.

Claiborne and Clark shared the workload in the backfield. Claiborne carried seven times for 29 yards and a touchdown, while Clark had four carries for 22 yards and a score. Clark also contributed three receptions for 18 yards. Falayi caught four passes for 50 yards and a touchdown.

Virginia Tech's ground game featured three capable runners. Terion Stewart led the way with nine carries for 62 yards, including a 43-yard burst in the second quarter. Malachi Hawkins added 11 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown. Drones carried 13 times for 36 yards but lost 20 on sacks, finishing with a modest 2.8 yards per carry average.

Drones completed 14 of 28 passes for 111 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He was sacked twice, losing 19 yards. Donavon Greene led the receiving corps with four catches for 52 yards, while Heath had three receptions for 23 yards and a touchdown before leaving with an injury in the fourth quarter.

Wake Forest's defense recorded two sacks and seven tackles for loss totaling 25 yards. Davaughn Patterson led all defenders with eight total tackles (three solo, five assists). Nick Andersen added seven tackles and contributed to pressure throughout the afternoon. Langston Hardy registered one sack for 11 yards, while Nuer Gatkuoth recorded one sack for 8 yards and came up with the critical fourth-quarter stop on Drones.

Virginia Tech's defense was led by Ben Bell, who finished with nine total tackles (two solo, seven assists). Jaden Keller added seven tackles and one tackle for loss. Jason Abbey recorded the Hokies' only sack, a 17-yard loss that led to an intentional grounding penalty in the second quarter.

Special teams played a supporting role throughout. Calvert made all three of his field goal attempts for Wake Forest (33, 29, and 27 yards) and converted all three extra points. Love went 3-for-4 on field goals for Virginia Tech, missing a 49-yarder in the fourth quarter that could have made the final minutes more manageable for the Hokies.

Top Performers:

• Robby Ashford, Wake Forest: 24-of-39 passing, 256 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
• Sawyer Racanelli, Wake Forest: 3 receptions, 88 yards  
• Terion Stewart, Virginia Tech: 9 carries, 62 yards
• Davaughn Patterson, Wake Forest: 8 total tackles (3 solo, 5 assists), 1 TFL
• Connor Calvert, Wake Forest: 3-of-3 field goals, 3-of-3 extra points

WINSTON-SALEM – Wake Forest University turned to the Pacific Northwest to find its next football leader, naming Washington State's Jake Dickert as the 33rd head coach in program history on Wednesday. Dickert, who compiled a 23-20 record in four seasons with the Cougars, succeeds Dave Clawson following his resignation earlier this week.

The 40-year-old Dickert brings an impressive defensive pedigree and track record of player development to Winston-Salem. Under his leadership, Washington State reached three bowl games in four seasons while achieving top-20 rankings in each of the past two years, climbing as high as No. 13 in 2023.

"Jake Dickert's demonstrated commitment across his coaching career to fostering excellence and developing student-athletes with character and integrity are closely aligned with Wake Forest's mission and values," Wake Forest President Susan R. Wente said.

Dickert's tenure at Washington State was marked by signature wins and defensive excellence. His Cougars secured consecutive victories over nationally-ranked Wisconsin in 2022 and 2023, while also notching two wins in the Apple Cup rivalry against Washington. His defenses have been particularly opportunistic – since 2017, Dickert-led units have forced 166 turnovers, a mark that would rank among the top 10 nationally during that span.

"Throughout this process, our team conducted an extensive and detailed search, carefully evaluating not only Coach Dickert's coaching achievements but also his character, leadership, and alignment with the values that define Wake Forest," Athletic Director John Currie said.

The Wisconsin-Stevens Point graduate has steadily climbed the coaching ranks over 17 seasons, with stops at Wyoming, South Dakota State, and Minnesota State before landing at Washington State. His defensive coordinator experience includes successful stints at Wyoming and Minnesota State, where his 2014 unit ranked second nationally in scoring defense at the Division II level.

Dickert takes over a Wake Forest program looking to rebound from a challenging 2023 campaign. The Demon Deacons aim to return to the success they enjoyed under Clawson, who led the program to seven bowl appearances in 11 seasons.

"I cannot tell you how excited, proud, and honored I am to be the head football coach at Wake Forest University," Dickert said. "My number one priority will be building relationships with our current student-athletes and earning their trust. We will have a clear focus on retaining our current roster while adding valuable pieces that fit our program and Wake Forest University."

WINSTON-SALEM – After 11 transformative seasons, Wake Forest football coach Dave Clawson is stepping down, marking the end of an era that elevated the Demon Deacons from perennial ACC underdog to a program that consistently challenged expectations.

Clawson's departure, announced Monday, comes after two challenging 4-8 seasons that followed a remarkable peak in 2021 when Wake Forest reached the ACC Championship Game and achieved its highest-ever national ranking. The 57-year-old coach will transition to a special advisory role within the university, maintaining his connection to the program he dramatically reshaped.

"Coaching at Wake Forest has been the honor of my career," Clawson said in a statement. "Together, we achieved things that many thought impossible."

Those achievements are substantial. Clawson is the only coach in NCAA history to lead four different Division I programs to double-digit wins in a season. At Wake Forest, he guided the team to seven consecutive bowl games, including a historic run with top-10 national rankings in 2021 and 2022 – the highest in school history.

His tenure saw remarkable milestones: three consecutive wins against Florida State, an ACC Championship Game appearance, and a 5-2 record in bowl games. Clawson leaves with a 67-69 overall record, the best winning percentage for a Wake Forest football coach since the school joined the ACC in 1953.

However, the landscape of college football has dramatically shifted, and Clawson's resignation reflects the increasingly challenging environment for mid-tier programs. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal have fundamentally altered team-building strategies.

"To fix problems, you need a lot of money," Clawson candidly stated earlier this season. Wake Forest's NIL budget was believed to be among the lowest in the 17-team ACC, creating significant recruitment and retention challenges.

The program's recent decline was stark. After six consecutive winning seasons, Wake Forest went 4-8 in both 2022 and 2023. The Demon Deacons won just three ACC games over those two years, a precipitous drop from their 2021 success.

Clawson's frustration became increasingly apparent, particularly when star quarterback Sam Hartman transferred to Notre Dame. He openly criticized the current college football ecosystem, noting how quickly players can move between programs.

"Many players now, if they don't have the exact role they want by Years 2 or 3, are likely to leave," Clawson said in November, hinting at the underlying tensions driving his decision.

Wake Forest President Susan R. Wente praised Clawson's impact, stating he "embodied Wake Forest's motto of Pro Humanitate, fostering success on the field, in the classroom, and in the community."

Athletic Director John Currie described Clawson as "the epitome of integrity, innovation, and excellence in college football" who elevated the program to "unprecedented heights."

The timing of Clawson's resignation is strategically significant. With the winter transfer window currently open, Wake Forest must quickly identify a successor who can retain current players and recruit new talent. A 30-day transfer window begins Tuesday, allowing players to transfer due to the coaching change.

Clawson plans to take a year off from coaching, ending a 36-year career in college football. His legacy at Wake Forest is secure: a coach who transformed expectations and proved that a smaller academic institution could compete at the highest levels of collegiate athletics.

As the Demon Deacons begin their search for a new leader, Clawson's tenure will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the program's history – a time when possibility trumped probability.

WINSTON-SALEM – In a heart-stopping conclusion to their ACC rivalry matchup, the Duke Blue Devils snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, scoring a dramatic 39-yard touchdown with no time remaining to defeat Wake Forest 23-17 on Saturday morning.

The game, played in chilly 41-degree weather at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, was a testament to Duke's resilience and quarterback Maalik Murphy's clutch performance. Murphy orchestrated a remarkable comeback, leading two fourth-quarter scoring drives that transformed a 17-10 deficit into an improbable victory.

With just 1:22 left on the clock and facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Murphy connected with wide receiver Jordan Moore on a breathtaking 39-yard touchdown pass that will be remembered as one of the season's most electrifying moments. The play capped a seven-play, 76-yard drive that epitomized the Blue Devils' never-say-die attitude.

The victory improved Duke's record to an impressive 9-3 overall and 5-3 in conference play, while Wake Forest concluded a challenging season at 4-8 and 2-6 in ACC competition.

“I’m so proud of the fact that we don’t panic. That’s a big part of it. We did start having more fun, even when we were down by 14 points.” Duke head coach Manny Diaz said. “I know that sounds funny, but guys started loosening up on the sideline. That made a big difference on our performance.”

Wake Forest seemed poised for victory after building a 17-10 lead early in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Hank Bachmeier had methodically moved the Demon Deacons' offense, connecting with receiver Horatio Fields for a pivotal 9-yard touchdown in the third quarter that appeared to give Wake Forest control.

But Murphy and the Blue Devils had other plans. With 12:57 remaining, Murphy himself punched in a 2-yard rushing touchdown to knot the game at 17-17, setting the stage for the dramatic finale.

Statistically, the game was remarkably balanced. Duke finished with 333 total yards compared to Wake Forest's 318, with both teams displaying offensive efficiency. Murphy completed 26 of 34 passes for 235 yards and the game-winning touchdown, while Star Thomas emerged as a critical ground threat, rushing for 66 yards and a crucial third-quarter touchdown.

Wake Forest's Demond Claiborne led all rushers with 67 yards, and Horatio Fields was a bright spot with six receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. However, the Demon Deacons' offense struggled to maintain momentum when it mattered most.

Defensively, Duke's pressure was relentless. The Blue Devils recorded five sacks and 11 tackles for loss, with Cameron Bergeron's one-sack, one-tackle-for-loss performance standing out. Wake Forest's defense fought hard but couldn't prevent Murphy's late-game heroics.

The game's turning points were numerous, but none more significant than the final play. Moore's game-winning catch will undoubtedly be replayed countless times, a fitting conclusion to a thrilling ACC contest.

“Malik and I had made eye contact and I just decided to take it down the field," Moore said after the game. “I think that's a testament to our chemistry and having that trust in him to be able to make that kind of play.”

For Duke, the victory serves as a triumphant punctuation mark on a remarkable season. For Wake Forest, it was a bitter conclusion to a challenging year.

Next up for Duke is bowl season, where they'll look to carry this momentum forward. Wake Forest will begin preparations for a rebuilding campaign, hoping to learn from this season's challenges.

CHAPEL HILL – Omarion Hampton rushed for 244 yards on 35 carries as North Carolina defeated Wake Forest 31-24 in a late-night Old North State Showdown at Kenan Stadium. The victory improved North Carolina’s record to 6-4 (3-3 ACC), while Wake Forest dropped to 4-6 (2-4 ACC).

Wake Forest opened the scoring with a 33-yard field goal by Matthew Dennis in the first quarter, following a nine-play, 65-yard drive. The Tar Heels responded in the second quarter when quarterback Jacolby Criswell scored on a 4-yard touchdown run, capping an 11-play, 75-yard drive. Noah Burnette added a 24-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, giving UNC a 10-3 lead.

The third quarter saw a flurry of scoring from both teams. Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne, who finished with 95 yards rushing and two touchdowns, tied the game at 10 with a 2-yard touchdown run. UNC quickly countered when Criswell connected with J.J. Jones for a 15-yard touchdown pass.

The game’s turning point came shortly after when Power Echols intercepted Wake Forest quarterback Michael Kern and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown, extending North Carolina’s lead to 24-10. Wake Forest responded immediately, as Claiborne scored his second touchdown on a 7-yard run following a North Carolina fumble.

In the fourth quarter, Hampton sealed his impressive performance with a 6-yard touchdown run with 2:26 remaining. Wake Forest managed a final score when Kern found Taylor Morin for a 16-yard touchdown pass with 1:15 left, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

Despite the loss, Wake Forest’s defense recorded five sacks against Criswell, with Jasheen Davis leading the effort with 2.5 sacks. The Demon Deacons’ defense also registered 11 tackles for loss totaling 57 yards.

North Carolina’s offensive success came primarily on the ground, as they accumulated 230 rushing yards compared to Wake Forest’s 114. The Tar Heels controlled the clock with 35:01 in possession time, while Wake Forest had the ball for 24:59.

The passing game told a different story, with Wake Forest quarterbacks Hank Bachmeier and Michael Kern combining for 240 yards through the air, while Criswell finished with 132 passing yards for North Carolina. However, two critical interceptions thrown by Kern proved costly for the Demon Deacons.

Both teams struggled with penalties, as Wake Forest was flagged nine times for 90 yards and North Carolina ten times for 83 yards. The teams were nearly equal in total offense, with North Carolina gaining 362 yards to Wake Forest’s 354.

Defensively, Wake Forest’s Branson Combs led all tacklers with 14 (11 solo), while Power Echols and Alijah Huzzie each recorded eight tackles for North Carolina.

The game marked North Carolina’s sixth win of the season, making them bowl eligible. Wake Forest will need to win their remaining games to reach bowl eligibility.

WINSTON-SALEM – In a high-scoring Friday night clash in Winston-Salem, the California Golden Bears survived a furious fourth-quarter comeback attempt by Wake Forest to secure a 46-36 victory at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.

The Golden Bears (5-4) jumped out to an early lead and never trailed, though the Demon Deacons (4-5) kept the fans on edge until the final minutes. Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza orchestrated a massive, but efficient, passing attack, completing 40 of 56 passes for 385 yards and two touchdowns, while the Cal defense recorded six sacks against Wake Forest quarterback Hank Bachmeier.

Cal's fast start included a 29-yard field goal by Daniel Morris and a 16-yard fumble return touchdown by Matthew Williams in the first quarter, pushing the Bears to a quick 10-0 advantage. Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne, who finished with 113 yards on 23 carries, responded with a 1-yard touchdown run to keep the Demon Deacons within striking distance.

The second quarter belonged to Cal, as the Bears outscored Wake Forest 19-7. Mendoza connected with Monroe Matthews for an 11-yard touchdown and found Trond Merriweather for a 2-yard score. The Bears also added two field goals, including a 54-yarder by Roberto Coe as time expired in the first half, giving Cal a commanding 29-14 lead at the break.

Wake Forest showed resilience in the second half, with Bachmeier finding Wesley Greene for a 45-yard touchdown strike in the third quarter. Though Mendoza countered with a 5-yard touchdown run, the Demon Deacons continued their comeback effort in the fourth quarter.

Bachmeier scored on a 4-yard run and completed a two-point conversion pass to Horatio Lodge to narrow the gap to 36-29. After Coe's second 54-yard field goal of the night pushed Cal's lead back to ten points, Wake Forest's Tate Carney punched in a 2-yard touchdown run with 3:57 remaining to make it 39-36.

The game's outcome remained in doubt until Cal's defense sealed the victory with an interception and touchdown run in the final two minutes. The Bears' defensive effort was led by Matthew Williams, who recorded eight tackles and recovered the crucial first-quarter fumble that he returned for a touchdown.

Despite the loss, Wake Forest's defense showed determination, with linebacker Nick Andersen leading all tacklers with 12 stops (6 solo). The Demon Deacons also found success through the air, as receiver Taylor Morin caught nine passes for 110 yards.

Cal's offensive performance was marked by balance and efficiency. Eight different receivers caught multiple passes, with Matthews leading the way with eight receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown. The Bears dominated time of possession, controlling the ball for over 33 minutes and converting 30 first downs.

The game featured impressive special teams play, with both Cal kickers showing exceptional range. Morris connected on field goals from 29 and 38 yards, while Ryan Coe demonstrated remarkable leg strength with his pair of 54-yard conversions.

The victory gives Cal their first ever conference win as a member of the ACC, while Wake Forest's hopes for bowl eligibility remain alive despite the setback. The Demon Deacons showed their offensive capabilities by accumulating 394 total yards, but ultimately couldn't overcome Cal's early advantage and consistent offensive output.