Wake Forest heads into the Duke’s Mayo Bowl with a shot at something that’s only happened three times in program history: a nine-win season. That kind of milestone doesn’t come easy - and this year, it’s going to take some fresh faces stepping up in a big way.
Between NFL declarations and transfer portal exits, the Demon Deacons will be without several key contributors when they take on Mississippi State. But bowl season always brings opportunity, and for a handful of players, Friday’s game is more than just a finale - it’s a launching pad into 2026.
Here are five names worth circling as Wake Forest looks to close out the year strong.
RB Ty Clark III - Stepping Into the Spotlight
With Demond Claiborne off to prep for the NFL and both Tate Carney and Drew Pickett entering the transfer portal, the Wake Forest backfield has been thinned out in a hurry. That leaves Ty Clark III as the next man up - and he’s got a real chance to show he’s more than just a change-of-pace option.
Clark has flashed throughout the year, stepping in during Claiborne’s absences and earning enough trust to be featured in two-back sets. But he hasn’t had more than 13 touches in a game, and now he’s being asked to shoulder the load against an SEC defense. That’s a different kind of test.
It’s one thing to look sharp against FCS opponents. It’s another to do it against Power Four competition.
This game won’t necessarily determine whether Wake adds another back through the portal - they likely will - but if Clark can hold his own, it might shift the urgency or the type of player they pursue. This is a big moment for the young back.
DT Kadear Dembele - Next Man Up in the Trenches
Mateen Ibirogba’s departure to the portal leaves a sizable gap on the defensive line - both literally and figuratively. He was logging over 30 snaps a game, and now Wake needs someone to step into that role. Enter Kadear Dembele, a name that’s been buzzing behind the scenes since fall camp.
At 6-foot-3, 285 pounds, Dembele brings size and upside, and he’s had time to develop behind a veteran rotation. Now, he’s getting his shot.
How much he plays remains to be seen - it could be five snaps, it could be 30 - but the key is whether he looks like he belongs. If he can give Wake 20 solid reps without looking out of place, that’s a win. This is the kind of game where young linemen can make a name for themselves heading into spring ball.
OG Clinton Richard - Back from Injury, Ready to Anchor
Clinton Richard’s season started with a broken foot in the opener against Kennesaw State. It nearly ended there too - but to his credit, he rehabbed hard and returned late in the season, looking surprisingly sharp against North Carolina.
Now, the question becomes: Can he sustain that level, or even build on it?
Richard had some shaky moments in pass protection against Duke, getting beat a few more times than you’d like to see. That makes this bowl game a crucial checkpoint.
Was that just rust, or a sign of something deeper? Wake needs stability on the left side of the line, especially with a young backfield and questions at quarterback.
Richard’s performance could go a long way in setting the tone up front.
WR Jeremiah Melvin - A Chance to Rise
With Micah Mays Jr. and Chris Barnes both hitting the portal, Wake Forest suddenly finds itself thin at outside receiver. That opens the door for Jeremiah Melvin, a player who’s shown flashes but hasn’t quite put it all together yet.
Melvin saw double-digit snaps in the Duke game - his most since the win over SMU - and now he’s in line for an even bigger role. Sawyer Racanelli, who picked up snaps late in the year, is out of eligibility after this game. That means Melvin’s time is now.
He’s had moments in practice and offseason camps where he looked like a breakout candidate, but the consistency hasn’t been there. This game isn’t about putting up monster stats.
It’s about showing progress - running clean routes, making contested catches, and looking like someone ready to take the next step in 2026. Wake needs outside threats, and Melvin has a golden opportunity to stake his claim.
CB Sascha Garcia - A Glimpse of the Future
This one’s a bit of a projection, but if Sascha Garcia suits up, he’s a player worth watching closely.
Garcia was practicing late in the season and didn’t appear to be shut down for offseason surgery, which suggests he could be available. If so, the bowl game would be a perfect spot to get him some live reps and start building toward next year.
With Karon Prunty and Lardarius Webb Jr. playing heavy snaps down the stretch - and doing so at a high level - Wake has a solid top duo. But depth matters, especially in today’s pass-heavy game. If Garcia can rotate in alongside Travon West and hold his own, it gives Wake a little more flexibility and a lot more confidence heading into the offseason.
The Bigger Picture
This bowl game isn’t just about chasing a ninth win. It’s about setting the table for what comes next.
Wake Forest has already seen some key pieces move on, and more roster movement is inevitable in today’s college football landscape. But for the players still in the building, Friday’s matchup is a chance to prove they’re ready for a bigger role - and maybe even change the conversation heading into 2026.
Keep an eye on these five. Their performances might not just shape the outcome of the bowl - they could shape the future of the program.