Wake Forest

The Demon Deacons' 2026 outlook hinges on whether veteran experience can offset significant offensive roster turnover. Wake Forest grades out 48th nationally with a +2.4 rating, powered by a defense that ranks 29th (+3.6) while the offense sits at a concerning 64th (-0.0). The portal shuffle brought major changes to the receiving corps, with Sterling Berkhalter (Texas) and Chris Barnes (Oklahoma State) departing, replaced by incoming transfers Wondame Davis Jr. from UTEP and Antonio Meeks from Louisville. Quarterback Robby Ashford returns as the starter, providing crucial stability amid offensive uncertainty, while North Carolina transfer Gio Lopez adds veteran leadership to a defense that carried the team to an 8-4 record in 2025.

JP+ projects 6.0 wins for Wake Forest in a season where defensive continuity could mask offensive fragility. The Deacons face a challenging slate with road trips to Louisville and SMU plus a home showdown against Miami serving as measuring sticks, while games against Stanford, Akron, and Merrimack at home offer opportunities to build momentum. The offense's ability to replace departed production creates significant uncertainty around the projection, with high replacement risk across multiple position groups despite Ashford's return under center. If the defense maintains its disruptive edge and the portal additions gel quickly, Wake Forest can compete for bowl eligibility. If offensive chemistry takes time to develop, the floor could be considerably lower than the projection suggests.