Circle July 17 on your calendar, folks, because that's when the ACC Kickoff in Charlotte promises to deliver some tantalizing insights into the upcoming college football season. Representing Wake Forest, we've got Gio Lopez, Davaughn Patterson, and Langston Hardy, alongside head coach Jake Dickert, ready to share their thoughts on what lies ahead for the Demon Deacons.
Jake Dickert, fresh off a stellar debut season, is stepping into the spotlight with a new set of expectations. With key veteran players having moved on, this event is a golden opportunity for fans to get a feel for the new leadership's vibe and vision.
Wake Forest is riding high after a season that culminated in a bowl game against Mississippi State, and with an ACC-heavy schedule, the stakes are high. The Kickoff is the perfect stage for the team’s pivotal players to voice their strategies and aspirations.
Gio Lopez, the transfer quarterback from UNC, is expected to take the reins as Wake's starting QB. His journey from a challenging season with UNC to a fresh start with the Deacons is one to watch.
How will he adapt and lead in this new chapter? That’s the question on everyone’s mind.
Then there's Davaughn Patterson, who snagged All-ACC Honorable Mention honors thanks to his standout performance in the defensive backfield. His ability to switch between slot corner, safety, and special teams makes him a defensive Swiss Army knife, and his role is set to expand even further in his third year under Dickert's guidance.
Langston Hardy, another All-ACC Honorable Mention honoree, was a force to be reckoned with on the pass rush last season. With seven sacks, he led the Deacons and secured a spot among the ACC's top five. The emphasis on defense is clear with both Patterson and Hardy representing Wake at the event.
But it's not just about the Deacons. The ACC Kickoff also offers a glimpse into some of Wake's fiercest competitors. Virginia Cavaliers' coach Tony Elliott and their new quarterback Beau Pribula will be sharing insights, especially with the much-anticipated Halloween clash against Wake on the horizon.
And let's not forget about the showdown with Miami on September 18. The Hurricanes, fresh off a national championship runner-up finish, will have head coach Mario Cristobal and key player Mark Fletcher Jr. on hand. Fletcher was instrumental in Miami's championship run, making this matchup one to circle on the calendar.
In essence, the ACC Kickoff is a treasure trove of insights for fans eagerly awaiting the start of the college football season. With August 29 fast approaching, the players and coaches will be laying out what we can expect when the season kicks off.
In Other News...
Steve Forbes Just Closed Wake Forests Roster With An Intriguing Overseas Guard
Wake Forests 2026-27 roster picture now includes an overseas addition after Steve Forbes signed a Slovenian guard coming off a strong season with Partizans U19 team. The move gives the Demon Deacons another international piece to go along with the momentum Forbes has built on the recruiting trail, and it comes with a rsum that already includes recognition as the All-Serbian Junior League Player of the Year.
Before he ever gets to Winston-Salem, the guard will take one more big step on the international stage with the Slovenian National Team at the FIBA U18 EuroBasket tournament. When he does arrive, Wake Forest expects him to settle in as a reserve point guard, a useful spot for a roster that is continuing to take shape around Forbes preferred mix of backcourt depth and positional flexibility. [Read more 🡒]