New coach, new life- Can Wake fast track the rebuild phase?
August 14th, 2025
A New Era Begins in Winston-Salem
After a decade under Dave Clawson, Wake Forest football begins a new chapter in 2025 with the arrival of head coach Jake Dickert from Washington State. Clawson’s sudden departure following a disappointing 4–8 season in 2024 left the program in a state of flux. Clawson is staying with the University as an advisor. Now, with Dickert leading the charge, the Demon Deacons are undergoing a complete rebuild.
Known for his ability to stabilize rosters and build defenses, Dickert brings fresh energy and a new culture to a program that was in need of a restart. Dickert is joined by offensive coordinator Rob Ezell, who takes over a unit moving away from Clawson’s unique “slow mesh” system, and defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton, who will look to toughen up a defense that struggled last season.
Offense: Replacing the Old with Tempo and Talent
The most immediate change in Winston-Salem will be on offense. The slow mesh RPO scheme that defined Clawson’s tenure over the past decade is out. In its place comes a fast-tempo spread system built to take advantage of speed, mobility, and versatility.
The quarterback battle is headlined by Robby Ashford, a former Auburn and South Carolina dual-threat ability QB that aligns well with the new scheme. Competing with him is Deshawn Purdie, a Charlotte transfer with a big arm and upside. Neither has experience in Ezell’s system, so expect growing pains early.
The receiving corps is also in flux. Wake Forest lost its top four receivers from 2024, meaning Micah Mays Jr. is the only returner with game experience. To fill the void, the Deacs brought in Karate Brenson (Tennessee State) and Carlos Hernandez, a familiar face from Dickert’s Washington State days. Both are expected to play immediate roles.
Despite all the changes, one constant remains: Demond Claiborne. The senior running back is the offense’s undisputed star after rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns in 2024. He also adds value as a receiver and kick returner. Claiborne will be the engine of the offense and will be the key to keeping the Deacs competitive.
2025 Schedule Outlook 4-7 (2-5)
Kennesaw State- W – New D1 school, Wake should roll.
Western Carolina- L- The catamounts almost pulled the upset against State last year. Look for them to complete the deal this season.
NC State- L – The Wolfpack get revenge on their loss last season
Georgia Tech- L – The Yellow Jackets dominate this series 24-8. They get the W
@ Virginia Tech – L- Lane stadium is tough for a new regime to win in. Hokies roll
@ Oregon State-L – Familiar foe in Duke transfer Malik Murphy who beat the Deacs last season. The road trip is too much for the Deacs
Southern Methodist University- L- SMU is a national power- too much for the Deacs
@ Florida State- L- too much talent for the new regime
@ Virginia- W- The Deacs squeak out their first ACC win.
Delaware- W- Wake is able to handle this lowly ACC team.
@ Duke- W- Wake’s biggest W of the year comes as a surprise to the Blue Devils
Wake Forest faces a manageable non-conference schedule and an ACC slate that excludes Clemson, Miami, and Louisville—arguably the three toughest opponents in the league.
Still, the margin for error is thin for the Deacons and Dickert. Home games against Georgia Tech, and NC State will be pivotal, while road matchups at UNC and Duke could determine whether Wake reaches bowl eligibility. The Deacs have to sweep their nonconference to set themselves up for a possible bowl game.
Projected Record:
- Ceiling : 7–5
- Most Likely: 4–7 or 6–6
- Floor: 3–9
Final Word
The 2025 season is not about championships—it’s about identity and direction. The Deacons need to establish themselves as a place transfers can go and flourish. With a fresh coaching staff, new systems, and a transfer-heavy roster, Wake Forest enters a full-blown rebuild under Jake Dickert. There may be setbacks early, but if Claiborne stays healthy and the defense stabilizes, the Deacs could surprise a few doubters and sneak into bowl contention.
It’s a new era in Winston-Salem—and it starts now.
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