Honestly, if you haven't been checking the portal every ten minutes, you've probably missed a dozen moves. It is January 2026, and the "Slow Mesh" era is officially in the rearview mirror as Jake Dickert’s squad undergoes a massive facelift. This isn't just a minor tune-up. It's a total engine rebuild.
The big story in wake forest football news right now is the sheer volume of movement. We just saw offensive tackle Melvin Siani—a guy who started every single game at left tackle last year—pack his bags for Texas. That hurts. You don't just replace 853 snaps and zero sacks allowed by snapping your fingers. But Dickert isn't sitting on his hands. He’s been busy hunting for "blue blood" leftovers and experienced portal grinders to fill the gaps.
The Transfer Portal: Who’s In and Who’s Out
College football is basically a game of musical chairs now. The Deacs just landed Sydir Mitchell from LSU. He’s 6'5" and weighs 355 pounds. That is a massive human being. He actually started at Texas before LSU, so he’s got the pedigree. Pairing him with another newcomer, defensive tackle Matt Herron, suggests the staff is tired of getting bullied in the trenches.
Then there’s the wide receiver room. It’s looking crowded—in a good way.
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- Ny Carr: Coming in from Miami. He was a priority for Dickert.
- Kam Shanks: A speedy Arkansas transfer with two years left.
- Draydon Dickman: A reliable target from Rice who also handles punts.
Losing Siani to the Longhorns is a gut punch, sure. However, the return of Derrell Johnson II, who actually withdrew from the portal to stay in Winston-Salem, provides some much-needed veteran stability on the line. It's a weird mix of old faces and brand-new names.
Life After Dave Clawson
It still feels weird not seeing Dave Clawson on the sidelines. After 11 years, he’s moved into an advisory role and is teaching leadership at the business school. Jake Dickert stepped in and immediately proved he could coach, leading the team to an 8-4 record last season—the best ever for a first-year Wake coach.
The administration clearly liked what they saw. They just extended contracts for 14 staff members, including offensive coordinator Rob Ezell and defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton. They’re betting on continuity. It’s a bold move in an era where most programs fire everyone after one bad Saturday.
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Breaking Down the 2026 Schedule
The ACC is moving to a nine-game conference schedule this year. That means fewer "cupcake" games and more high-stakes Saturday nights.
- Opening Night: September 3 against Akron at Allegacy Stadium.
- The Big Trip: A massive non-conference showdown at Purdue on September 12.
- The New Guys: Stanford and Cal are now regular features. Wake actually has to fly to California this year. That’s a first.
The home slate is actually pretty brutal. They’ve got Miami (a CFP qualifier), Duke, and Virginia coming to town. If you’re a season ticket holder, you’re getting your money’s worth, but the players are going to be exhausted by November.
Why the "One More Rule" Matters
The school is pushing this "One More Rule" thing. Basically, they want every fan to attend one more game than they did last year. It sounds like a marketing gimmick, but looking at the portal costs and NIL requirements, they need the revenue. Selling out Allegacy Stadium isn't just about atmosphere anymore; it's about survival.
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The 2026 recruiting class is currently ranked 48th nationally. That’s a jump of 14 spots. Quarterback Grant Lawless is the crown jewel of that group, a local kid from Denver, NC, who chose to stay home. He’s got the frame—6'4", 200 lbs—to be the future of the program once the current bridge starters move on.
What to Watch This Spring
Keep an eye on the offensive line. With Tolu Olajide coming in from New Hampshire and Ethan Calloway arriving from LSU, the battle for the tackle spots will be intense. They need to protect the quarterback better than they did in the middle of last season.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Renew Season Tickets: The deadline is February 16 if you want to keep your specific seats.
- Track the Portal: The spring window opens after spring practice. Expect another 3-5 departures and arrivals then.
- Watch the Schedule Release: The exact dates for the ACC games drop in late January. Plan those road trips to Dallas (SMU) and Berkeley (Cal) early because flights won't be cheap.
This program is in a massive transition. It’s not the Clawson era anymore, and that's okay. Dickert has a different energy, a different recruiting philosophy, and a much more aggressive approach to the portal. Whether it leads to an ACC title or a mid-tier bowl game depends entirely on how quickly these 15+ new transfers can learn to play together.