Wake Forest Basketball: Top 4 confirmed opponents in 2024-25 non-conference schedule

Last season, Wake Forest Basketball finished 8-3 in non-con play, including wins over Florida and Rutgers at home. Unfortunately for them, it wasn't enough to get into the NCAA Tournament, missing out and ending up in the NIT.

The hope is that with star guard Hunter Sallis back, the Demon Deacons are hoping to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the Coach Steve Forbes era. The non-conference schedule has been release, with 11 opponents set. That includes the ESPN Events Invitational, two games against either Florida, Minnesota, and Wichita State. For strength of schedule purposes, Wake will want to face off against Florida at some point and/or avoid losing to the Shockers.

Among the other nine games, here's a look at the four most important opponents to watch.

4. James Madison - Dec 17 (H)

After winning a program-record 32 games and winning the Sun Belt, the Dukes are rebuilding from scratch, both with its roster and coaching staff. However, they do have several power conference transfers that could have an impact, including Justin Taylor (Syracuse), Bryce Lindsay (Texas A&M), and Noah Williams (Washington ). Mark Freeman, a former OVC Player of the Year guard at Morehead State, will look to run the offense after missing all of last season via injury.

3. Michigan - Nov 10 (N in Greensboro)

Like James Madison, Michigan also has undergone a complete program rebuild, though they're coming off finishing last in the Big Ten. New Coach Dusty May brought with him starting center Vlad Goldin, along with Ohio State starting guard, Roddy Gayle Jr. If Alabama transfer forward Sam Walters has a breakout campaign, the Wolverines can get back into contention in the league.

2. Xavier - Nov 16 (A)

The biggest development for the Musketeers is the return of big man Zach Freemantle, an All-Big East forward who missed all last season with an injury. He's joined by a bunch of quality transfers, including forwards John Hugley and Lassina Traore, along with Marcus Foster, Dante Maddox Jr., and Ryan Conwell in the backcourt. There's a lot of new faces but on paper, this roster has top-25 potential.

1. Texas A&M - Dec 3 (A)

All-ACC guard Wade Taylor is back, making the Aggies an instant contender in the SEC next season. Also back are key rotation pieces, Henry Coleman, Andersson Garcia, and Hayden Hefner. Zhuric Phelps comes over from SMU to give them even more backcourt depth as well.

While Michigan and Xavier "could" be good next season, Texas A&M has legit Final Four potential. And it's hard to find a better individual matchup to watch than Sallis vs Taylor in this matchup. This should be a very compelling matchup to key watch.