Wake Forest football has unveiled the schedule for the opening stretch of the 2026 season, promising fans a compelling start to the campaign. The action begins on September 3 at Allegacy Stadium, where the Deacons will host Akron in a home opener that will be streamed live on the ACC Network at 7 p.m. The excitement continues a week later as the team travels to Indiana to face Purdue, with the contest slated for a noon kickoff on FS1.
Broadcast and Kickoff Details
The September 18 showdown against Miami will return to Winston‑Salem and will air on ESPN, featuring a 7:30 p.m. start time. All three games are part of a broader slate that includes a full breakdown of ticket prices and unique themes for each contest, giving supporters a variety of ways to engage with the team.
Single‑game tickets for the 2026 season are now on sale, and fans can purchase them online or by calling the ticket office. In addition, season‑ticket options and pricing are available for those who want to commit to multiple dates. Wake Forest Athletics has also launched a fan‑engagement initiative encouraging supporters to attend at least one more game in 2026 than they did in 2025, highlighting group outings and customized packages designed to deliver the "Best Fan Experience in North Carolina."
The announcement comes on the heels of a historic 2025 season that saw the Deacons finish with a 9‑4 record, marking the fifth time in the past nine years that the program reached eight or more wins. That campaign featured marquee victories over SMU and No. 12 Virginia, propelling the team into the College Football Playoff conversation and earning 12 All‑ACC honors.
Defensively, the 2025 squad ranked seventh in the ACC and 44th nationally in scoring defense, a testament to the work of coordinator Jake Dickert and his staff. The defense will return key playmakers such as Davaughn Patterson, Carlos Hernandez and Langston Hardy, who led the conference in tackles for loss. Offensively, breakout weapon Carlos Hernandez will join a unit bolstered by returning talent and new additions aimed at building on last year’s momentum.
Beyond the on‑field action, the schedule reflects the program’s partnership with the Atlantic Coast Conference, with broadcasts coordinated through the league’s media arm. Fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere at Allegacy Stadium, especially during the opening night festivities that will showcase the rich traditions of Wake Forest football.