Picks and Predictions for the Demon Deacons

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Wake Forest Demon Deacons History

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons football program, established in 1888, has a storied history within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Over the years, the team has experienced various highs and lows, reflecting the dynamic nature of college football. Notably, the Demon Deacons secured their first ACC championship in 1970, marking a significant milestone in the program’s development.

In the early 2000s, under the leadership of head coach Jim Grobe, Wake Forest experienced a resurgence. The pinnacle of this era was the 2006 season, where the team achieved an 11-3 record and clinched the ACC title, earning a spot in the Orange Bowl. This period highlighted the program’s potential to compete at the highest levels of college football.

More recently, the team has been under the guidance of head coach Dave Clawson, who took over in 2014. Clawson’s tenure has been marked by a focus on building a competitive and resilient team, leading to multiple bowl appearances and a renewed sense of optimism among fans and bettors alike.

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Wake Forest Demon Deacons Timeline

1888: Wake Forest fields its first football team.
1970: Wins first ACC championship.
2006: Achieves an 11-3 record, wins ACC title, and appears in the Orange Bowl.
2014: Dave Clawson appointed as head coach.
2016: Secures first bowl victory since 2008.
2017: Wins Belk Bowl against Texas A&M.
2018: Triumphs in the Birmingham Bowl.
2019: Participates in the Pinstripe Bowl.
2020: Competes in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
2021: Finishes season with an 11-3 record, appearing in the Gator Bowl.
2022: Wins the Gasparilla Bowl.
2024: Concludes season with a 4-8 record; Dave Clawson steps down as head coach.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons Stats

In the 2024 season, the Demon Deacons faced challenges, finishing with a 4-8 record. Offensively, the team averaged 25.7 points per game, ranking 87th nationally. The defense, however, allowed an average of 32.5 points per game, placing them 114th in the nation.

Key statistical highlights include:
Passing: Quarterback Hank Bachmeier threw for 2,593 yards with a 62.7% completion rate.
Rushing: Running back Demond Claiborne led the ground game with 1,049 rushing yards.
Receiving: Wide receiver Taylor Morin topped the receiving charts with 756 yards.

Areas needing improvement include third-down efficiency and defensive consistency, both critical for turning close games into wins.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons Roster for 2025

Heading into the 2025 season, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons bring a retooled roster that blends proven talent with fresh potential.

Robby Ashford, a transfer quarterback from South Carolina, takes over the starting role under center. Known for his athleticism and playmaking ability, Ashford brings mobility to an offense that struggled with consistency last year. He’ll be handing the ball off to returning star running back Demond Claiborne, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2024 and is expected to be the focal point of the offense again. At wide receiver, Taylor Morin continues to be a trusted target with sure hands and crisp route-running, while Sterling Berkhalter adds vertical speed to stretch opposing defenses.

On defense, the Demon Deacons are anchored by veteran cornerback Karon Prunty, who offers valuable leadership in the secondary. Linebacker Jacob Roberts returns as a high-motor presence who racked up tackles last year and will be a key to stopping the run. The defensive line is still a work in progress, but look for sophomore K.J. Miles to take on a larger role this season. Overall, Wake Forest has a roster that may not be loaded with blue-chip talent, but it’s filled with high-IQ players who fit the system well — making them dangerous, especially as underdogs in ACC matchups.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons Injury Report

As of now, there are no significant injuries reported for the Demon Deacons heading into the 2025 season. Staying updated on player health is crucial for bettors, as injuries can significantly impact team performance and betting outcomes.

Be sure to check out our injury report before you hop into placing wagers, especially props:

Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Outlook and Trends

If you’re planning to bet on Wake Forest this season, there are a few important trends and angles worth keeping an eye on. The Demon Deacons enter 2025 with a new-look offense, some high-upside skill players, and lingering question marks on defense. This mix creates both volatility and opportunity — something savvy bettors can capitalize on. Whether you prefer betting sides, totals, or player props, Wake Forest’s style of play offers a few profitable patterns worth watching. For added perspective, check the latest picks from our best handicappers.

Stronger Performances at Home

Wake Forest tends to outperform expectations in home games, especially against middling ACC opponents. In 2024, they were 3-3 straight up at Truist Field, and their defense showed noticeable improvement when not on the road. The smaller stadium size and passionate local fanbase often create an underrated edge, which isn’t always priced correctly into the spread. Bettors should give Wake Forest a longer look when they’re catching points at home, particularly in closely matched games. Taking the Deacons ATS at home against teams like Syracuse, Virginia Tech, or Georgia Tech could continue to be a sharp angle in 2025.

Games Trending Toward the Over

One of the most consistent trends over the past few seasons has been Wake Forest games going over the total. In 2024, the Deacons gave up over 32 points per game while still managing nearly 26 points per game on offense. That combination — a capable offense and leaky defense — creates fertile ground for overs. Even in games where Wake Forest is outmatched, the pace often increases due to their reliance on quick drives and big plays. With Robby Ashford’s dual-threat ability and Demond Claiborne’s explosiveness, the Deacs have enough weapons to push scoring above expectations, especially against soft secondaries.

Betting Player Props — Especially on Claiborne and Morin

For bettors interested in player props, Wake Forest offers a few valuable targets. Demond Claiborne is a workhorse running back who can consistently hit the over on rushing yard totals, particularly against weaker front sevens. In 2024, he had six games with 90+ rushing yards — a stat that should improve with a more mobile quarterback easing defensive pressure. On the receiving end, Taylor Morin is a reliable possession receiver who often flies under the radar in prop markets. His targets tend to spike in high-leverage situations, making his reception totals appealing, especially when the Deacons are underdogs and expected to throw more.

Betting First Halves Instead of Full Games

While Wake Forest has had issues closing out games, they often start with solid scripted drives and energy, especially at home. In 2024, they covered the first-half spread in several games they went on to lose. The coaching staff is adept at preparing an early game plan, but depth issues and defensive fatigue tend to show up in the second half. If you’re not confident in Wake’s ability to hang on for four quarters, targeting them in first-half spreads — particularly when they’re small underdogs — can be a lower-risk way to extract value.

Betting Trends from Last Season

Some of the trends that you should be betting along in 2025 are roll-over trends from 2024. Our handicappers identified these few trends during last season:

• Against the Spread (ATS): Wake Forest had a mixed record ATS, often covering in underdog situations.
• Over/Under: Games frequently went over the projected total, reflecting the team’s high-scoring affairs.
• First Half Bets: The Demon Deacons often started strong, making first-half bets a potential angle.

Key Players for Betting on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons

When it comes to betting on Wake Forest, individual performances can often be just as important as team outcomes. Whether you’re looking at player props or handicapping matchups, knowing which athletes are likely to impact the game — and how — can give you a major edge. These five players are projected to play pivotal roles for the Demon Deacons in 2025, and each brings unique betting opportunities to the table.

Demond Claiborne (RB)
Claiborne is Wake Forest’s offensive workhorse and arguably the most consistent player on the roster. After surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in 2024, he returns in 2025 as the centerpiece of the offense. His volume alone makes him a prime candidate for over bets on rushing yards, especially against teams with weak front sevens. He also sees some red-zone usage, giving him value in anytime touchdown scorer markets. When the Deacs are favored or facing bottom-tier run defenses, Claiborne’s props should be one of the first things bettors consider.

Taylor Morin (WR)
Morin enters 2025 as Wake’s most experienced and polished receiver. He led the team in receiving yards last year and has proven to be a dependable target, particularly on third downs and in tight coverage. While he’s not necessarily a big-play threat, his steady target share makes him an ideal pick for receptions and receiving yard props. He’s especially valuable in games where Wake is likely to trail — and throw more — such as matchups against top-tier ACC defenses. Bettors looking for consistency in the WR prop market should keep Morin on their radar.

Robby Ashford (QB)
The new quarterback transfer from South Carolina brings an exciting dual-threat element to Wake’s offense. Ashford’s athleticism allows him to extend plays and create on the ground, which opens the door for rushing yard overs — especially if his designed runs increase. While his passing accuracy still needs polish, he has the arm strength to hit deep throws, which could add volatility to his passing props. In games where Wake is expected to play from behind, Ashford becomes an intriguing option for combined yardage props or long completion bets.

Karon Prunty (CB)
On the defensive side, Prunty stands out as the veteran leader in the secondary. Though not a target for traditional prop bets, his presence impacts game scripts and opposing passing efficiency. In matchups where Prunty is locking down one side of the field, unders on top opposing receivers can come into play. He also has a knack for forcing turnovers, which could factor into defensive/special teams props if Wake’s defense is expected to be active.

Jacob Roberts (LB)
Roberts is the engine of the Wake Forest defense, leading the team in tackles last year and playing sideline-to-sideline with high intensity. For bettors interested in tackle props (when available), he’s a strong candidate to hit overs, especially against run-heavy offenses. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield also makes him a situational x-factor in live betting scenarios — when he’s firing, the defense often follows. In close games, his production can be the difference between Wake getting key stops or allowing late-game scoring drives.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons Summary

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons enter the 2025 season with a mix of returning talent and new potential, highlighted by playmakers like Demond Claiborne, Taylor Morin, and transfer QB Robby Ashford. While the defense remains a question mark, that volatility creates ideal conditions for over/under bettors and prop-focused strategies. Home-field advantages, fast starts, and player-specific trends all offer unique angles for handicapping Wake games.

If you’re serious about finding value in the college football market, tracking Wake Forest’s week-to-week matchups is worth your time. And if you want to take your edge even further, sign up with a trusted handicapper service like ScoresandStats.com. With expert picks, data-driven predictions, and real-time insights, you’ll be equipped to make smarter, more profitable bets all season long.

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