College Football Preview 2025: Wake Forest Demon Deacons

• Head Coach: Jake Dickert (first season)
• 2024 Record: 4-8
• Strength of Schedule: 112th
• PFF Projected Win Total: 6.7
• FanDuel Win Total: 4.5

2024 Recap

Wake Forest thrived in 2021 and 2022, compiling a 19-8 record over those two seasons. But after back-to-back 4-8 campaigns, longtime head coach Dave Clawson stepped down after 11 years at the helm. The Demon Deacons filled that spot by hiring Jake Dickert, who posted a solid four-year run at Washington State, including an 8-4 record in his final season.

A defensive-minded coach, Dickert should appreciate the talent returning at the second and third levels of Wake Forest’s defense. On the other side of the ball, new offensive coordinator Rob Ezell faces a tall task revamping a passing game full of new faces.

Biggest Strength: The middle of the defense

Wake Forest has a potential star at linebacker in Quincy Bryant, with a steady veteran returning alongside him in Dylan Hazen. The Demon Deacons also bring back both starting safeties—Nick Andersen and Davaughn Patterson—each of whom posted 70.0-plus coverage grades in 2024.

Biggest Weakness: Passing attack