The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have been placed 16th in the inaugural College Football Playoff rankings for the 2026 season, released on November 4, 2026.
The ranking marks the first official playoff positioning for the program under the expanded 12-team format. The selection committee's initial top 25 sets the stage for the postseason chase, with Wake Forest earning a spot among the nation's elite.
The announcement came alongside the traditional unveiling of the playoff bracket, which will ultimately determine the national champion through a series of bowl games culminating in the championship game.
