Wake Forest went 8-4 in Year 1 of the Jake Dickert era. The Demon Deacons went 6-2 down the stretch after starting 2-2 with losses to Georgia Tech and NC State. With a win, Wake Forest can reach the nine-win mark for the first time since 2021.

The Bulldogs left their fans in Starkville a pleasant surprise as they head to North Carolina for Friday's Duke's Mayo Bowl.

The Bulldogs (5-7) are playing Wake Forest (8-4) in the Duke's Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, North Carolina on Jan. 2 (7 p.m. CT, ESPN). It is one of four bowl games scheduled for the same day the transfer portal opens.

The Demon Deacons are expected to be without All-ACC second team running back Demond Claiborne, who declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. Top wide receiver Chris Barnes, who's also the kick returner, announced he's entering the transfer portal. Micah Mays Jr., who's fourth on Wake Forest with 302 receiving yards, is also transferring.

The 2025-26 college football bowl schedule is coming to an end, with Friday's Duke's Mayo Bowl 2026 being the final non-CFP contest. It features

New for 2026 is a nine-game conference schedule with three annual opponents. Mississippi State's annual opponents for the next four seasons are Ole Miss, Alabama and Vanderbilt. The Crimson Tide will play at Davis Wade Stadium on Oct. 3.

The transfer portal has made bowl season awkward for players and coaches. Mississippi State’s situation shows both the problem and the exception.

Mississippi State football coach Jeff Lebby will take a mayo bath if the Bulldogs beat Wake Forest in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.

Mississippi State head football coach Jeff Lebby announced the addition of Ty Warren as defensive line coach on Saturday, bringing to Starkville a rising

Mississippi State kept its quarterback, a few contributors, and some dignity as Kamario Taylor chose stability over escape.