Wake Forest is gearing up for the 2026 season as the roster undergoes a massive overhaul driven by the transfer portal. The Deacs have seen a flurry of movement, with both departures and arrivals reshaping the squad that will take the field in the fall.
The transfer portal reshapes the Deacs
According to the 247Sports rankings, the team sits at No. 66 nationally, having added 24 three‑star prospects while losing 24 players, including four four‑star transfers. The program also brought in the 39th‑ranked high school class in the country, featuring three four‑star recruits and 27 three‑star prospects, underscoring a blend of youth and experience.
A new eligibility rule that eliminates redshirting could thrust several freshmen into meaningful snaps earlier than in past years, adding an extra layer of excitement and uncertainty to the mix.
Among the returning quarterbacks are Steele Pizzella and Billy Johnson, while the room also welcomes transfers Gio Lopez from UNC and four‑star prospect Grant Lawless, promising fresh competition under center.
The backfield sees the return of Ty Clark III and the addition of KD Daniels from Florida, while the receiving corps adds Antonio Meeks from Louisville and Kam Shanks from Arkansas, bolstering depth at the skill positions.
The offensive line retains several veterans and brings in Ethan Calloway from LSU, aiming to shore up a unit that has been identified as a point of concern for the upcoming season.
Defensive line and secondary outlook
Defensively, the line is projected to be the strongest segment, anchored by Langston Hardy and reinforced by newcomer DJ Johnson from New Hampshire, giving the front seven a formidable presence.
Linebacker additions Tylan McNichols from UAB and Buom Jock from Cal join holdovers, while the secondary welcomes AJ Marks, a four‑star prospect, alongside returning Sascha Garcia and Davaughn Patterson, aiming to tighten a unit that has shown flashes of brilliance.
Special teams will benefit from the experience of Connor Calvert and Caleb Carlson, with Australian punter Ethan Hyams adding depth and a global perspective to the unit.
Overall, the combination of strategic transfers, a talent‑rich recruiting class, and the impact of the new eligibility rule positions Wake Forest to compete more aggressively in 2026, even as the team navigates the inevitable growing pains of a rapidly evolving roster.