# Wake Forest football season performance

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wake-forest-football-season-performance
> Updated: 2026-10-24T14:45:21.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 6.

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons extended their winning streak to four games with a decisive 41-7 victory over the California Golden Bears at Memorial Stadium. Entering the matchup as favorites, the No. 21 ranked Demon Deacons established a commanding 34-0 lead by halftime.

Quarterback Gio Lopez led the offense, recording 267 passing yards and four touchdown passes, three of which were caught by tight end Dominick Barry. California struggled to respond, failing to record a sack or force a turnover. The Golden Bears were further hampered by the absence of leading running back Adam Mohammed.

This victory follows a strong season that saw the team reach a 5-1 record after defeating NC State. That win marked the first time the program appeared in the AP Poll during the Jake Dickert era. Following the win over California, Wake Forest climbed to No. 14 in the AP Top 25 after a bye week. 

With a 6-1 overall record and 4-1 in the ACC, the Demon Deacons are currently positioned alongside SMU as the only teams in the conference with a single loss, allowing them to control their path toward the ACC Championship Game. The team has also been ranked unanimously at No. 2 in the Week 8 ACC Power Rankings.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Wake Forest rises to No. 14 in AP Top 25 poll

Wake Forest has risen to No. 14 in the AP Top 25 and holds a unanimous No. 2 spot in the ACC Power Rankings following a successful bye week.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wake-forest-rises-to-no-14-in-ap-top-25-poll

### 2026-10-17: Wake Forest dominates California 41-7 in college football

No. 21 Wake Forest defeated California 41-7, led by Gio Lopez's four touchdown passes, marking the Demon Deacons' first AP poll ranking in four years.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wake-forest-dominates-california-41-7-in-college-football

### 2026-10-16: Wake Forest Demon Deacons face California Golden Bears

The 5-1 Wake Forest Demon Deacons travel to face the 3-3 California Golden Bears in a Week 7 college football matchup at California Memorial Stadium.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wake-forest-demon-deacons-face-california-golden-bears

### 2026-10-14: Wake Forest faces Cal in Week 7 college football matchup

No. 21 Wake Forest visits Cal as a 9.5-point favorite. The Demon Deacons aim to extend their winning streak against a Golden Bears team uncertain without quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wake-forest-faces-cal-in-week-7-college-football-matchup

### 2026-10-12: Wake Forest Demon Deacons reach 5-1 record after NC State victory

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have reached a 5-1 record following a major win over NC State, positioning themselves as a notable contender in the current college football season.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wake-forest-demon-deacons-reach-5-1-record-after-nc-state-victory

### 2026-10-12: Wake Forest enters AP Poll following victory over NC State

Wake Forest football entered the AP Poll at #21 following a victory over NC State, led by standout performances from receivers Carlos Hernandez and Jack Foley.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wake-forest-enters-ap-poll-following-victory-over-nc-state

---
Cite as: Wake Forest football season performance. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wake-forest-football-season-performance