Wake Forest aims for strong follow-up to a 9-win debut season under Jake Dickert
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons made a strong debut in their first annual season under coach Jake Dickert, finishing with a 9-3 record and a bowl win against Mississippi State. Despite being expected to finish last in the ACC, the team's performance exceeded expectations. The offense, built around running back Demond Claiborne, adjusted to new personnel for the second-year coordinator, Rob Ezell.
However, the defense proved to be a strength, returning 60 players from last season and having 50 new players. Key players like Langston Hardy, Aiden Hall, and Frank Cusano are returning, with the secondary featuring Davaughn Patterson and Travon West. The offense will be led by transfer quarterback Gio Lopez, who transferred from UNC and had an impressive season with 2,559 yards and 18 touchdowns.
The team will face a tough schedule, including a visit from preseason favorite Miami on September 18 and six teams projected to finish in the top seven of the ACC.
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