Deacon Dreams Have a Path to Bowl Eligibility

Let's look at the Deacs' remaining schedule and project if they can go bowling

Oct 4, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Robby Ashford (2) looks to run the ball against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images

With half of the schedule still to go and four wins under their belt, the Deacs look to make a push towards a bowl game this season. Only two more wins are needed this season to qualify for a bowl, but let's take a look at the path and see if these Deacon Dreams can become a reality.

10/25 vs SMU

Oct 4, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; The SMU Mustangs defense celebrates their Club Takeaway after intercepting a Syracuse Orange pass during the second half at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Mustangs will certainly come into the game this weekend, racing off a great win at Clemson. Their QB, Kevin Jennings, has looked terrific, and they are still undefeated in conference play since joining the ACC. However, it is the homecoming game for the Deacs, and they are coming off a bye week to rest up and prep for the Mustangs. This game has trap written all over it. Give me the Deacs!

Prediction:
Wake 34-SMU 28
Wake Forest now 5-2
One game away from bowling!

11/1 at Florida State

Oct 18, 2025; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Cole Tabb (33) gets tackled during the second quarter against the Florida State Seminoles at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images | Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

The Deacs have shown their potential to spoil big games on the road before, and this Florida State team is reeling after losing four games straight. However, a night game in Tallahassee is still a very challenging environment. Add that to the desperation the Seminoles will be feeling to pick up a win. This seems like a tall task for the Deacs.

Prediction
Florida State 27 - Wake Forest 21
Wake Forest now 5-3
One game away from bowling!

11/8 at Virginia

Oct 18, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers players and staff sign the school song in font of the student sections after their game against the Washington State Cougars at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

This Virginia team is having a breakout year in the ACC. They are currently undefeated in conference play and 16th in the AP poll. Their offense has looked very solid throughout the season, and Tony Elliot is finally seeing his hard work pay off. This is a tough game on the road against a likely ranked opponent.

Prediction
Virginia 31 - Wake Forest 21
Wake Forest now 5-4
One game away from bowling!

11/15 vs North Carolina

Oct 17, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears head coach Justin Wilcox and North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick shake hands after the game at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

After a tough road stretch, the Deacs will return home and take on the rival North Carolina Tar Heels. Bill Belichick's first year in college football has been a struggle as the Tar Heels have yet to beat a Power Five opponent. This is a get-right game for the Deacs.

Prediction
Wake Forest 34 North Carolina 21
Wake Forest now 6-4
Bowl Eligible!!

11/22 vs Delaware

Delaware, including Jack Hall (93) and Patrick Methlie (59) celebrate the Blue Hens’ 31-28 win against Middle Tennessee State at Delaware Stadium, Oct. 22, 2025. | William Bretzger/Delaware News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

For it being their first year in FBS, the Delaware Blue Hens have certainly put together a nice season, sitting at 4-3. They are 2-2 in Conference USA and certainly aren't an opponent to scoff over. The Deacs will be wrapping up their home schedule during this week with senior day, and I am predicting those seniors will go out with a victory!

Prediction:
Wake Forest 38 - Delaware 17
Wake Forest now 7-4

11/29 at Duke

Oct 18, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils tight end Landen King (0) celebrates a touchdown catch during the first half of the game against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

The rivalry game that all Deac fans love to see caps off the regular season. Duke has been up and down this season, sitting at 4-3, but they're very much upgraded in the quarterback spot with Darian Mensah. At home, I may be inclined to roll with the Deacs; however, I have to give the edge to Duke playing at home.

Prediction:
Duke 27 - Wake Forest 21
Wake Forest ends regular season 7-5

So, as of right now, we have the Deacs sitting at 7-5 and getting ready for a bowl game. Let's hope the Deacs can continue to impress to reach this goal and maybe win even more games!