The Duke’s Mayo Bowl is serving up a classic SEC vs. ACC showdown this year, as Wake Forest and Mississippi State are set to square off under the lights at Bank of America Stadium on Friday, Jan.
- Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. in Charlotte, and this one has all the makings of a gritty, high-stakes battle between two programs looking to finish their seasons on a high note.
Wake Forest rolls into the bowl game at 8-4, a strong showing in head coach Jake Dickert’s first year at the helm. The Demon Deacons have leaned on a balanced offensive attack led by quarterback Robby Ashford, who threw for 2,169 yards, nine touchdowns, and seven interceptions during the regular season. Ashford’s numbers don’t jump off the page, but he’s shown flashes of playmaking ability - especially when paired with running back Demond Claiborne, who’s been the heartbeat of this offense.
Claiborne has been a workhorse, racking up 907 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. He’s also chipped in as a pass-catcher, hauling in 28 receptions for 140 yards. His versatility gives Wake Forest a key edge, especially against a Mississippi State defense that’s had its share of struggles this season.
On the other sideline, the Bulldogs come in at 5-7 under first-year head coach Jeff Lebby. It’s been an up-and-down campaign in Starkville, but there’s no shortage of talent on this roster.
Quarterback Blake Shapen has been a steady presence, throwing for 2,433 yards, 15 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He’s capable of stretching the field, and he’ll have a go-to weapon in wide receiver Brenen Thompson.
Thompson has been electric all season, leading the Bulldogs with 53 catches for 948 yards and six touchdowns. He’s averaging a jaw-dropping 17.9 yards per reception - a number that speaks to his big-play ability every time he touches the ball. If Mississippi State can give Shapen time in the pocket, Thompson could be a game-changer.
The Bulldogs’ ground game is powered by Fluff Bothwell, who’s picked up 639 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He’s a tough, downhill runner who complements the passing attack well, and his ability to control tempo could be a key factor in this matchup.
Both teams are looking to cap their seasons with a statement win - Wake Forest aiming to notch a ninth victory and continue building momentum under Dickert, while Mississippi State is hoping to end a challenging year on a high note and set the tone for 2026 under Lebby.
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl has built a reputation for entertaining matchups, and this year’s edition should be no different. Last season, Minnesota topped Virginia Tech 24-10, and if this year’s clash lives up to the billing, fans in Charlotte are in for a treat.
Tickets for the game are available via Ticketmaster, and with the SEC and ACC going head-to-head in primetime, this bowl game promises to deliver plenty of drama - and maybe even a mayo bath or two.