Wake Forest and Akron prepare for 2026 season opener

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons and the Akron Zips are set to face each other in their 2026 season opener at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Wake Forest enters the season following a 9-4 campaign in 2025. Head coach Jake Dickert noted a shift in team morale from nervousness to excitement. The Demon Deacons will be led by new starting quarterback Gio Lopez, a transfer from North Carolina.

Akron, led by coach Joe Moorhead, seeks to build on a 5-7 record from the previous season. The Zips feature running back Jordan Gant, who recorded over 1,000 rushing yards last year. The team faces uncertainty at the quarterback position, with a decision pending between Brayden Roggow and Reese Poffenbarger, the latter of whom faces potential eligibility questions.