The Wake Forest Demon Deacons aren’t known for playing an extremely tough non-conference schedule. Last year, they took on Michigan, Xavier, Florida, and Texas A&M, losing three of those four games.
On paper, Wake Forest looks to have a stronger collective slate of opponents for the 2025-26 season. They’re one of four teams playing in the Baha Mar Championship, where they could face either Memphis or Purdue, depending on the result from the prior game.
Non-Con action is set ✅
— Wake Forest Men's Basketball (@WakeMBB) July 17, 2025
📰: https://t.co/WPRjlcUczf pic.twitter.com/Q2HJfeJ4wG
Here’s a ranking of the top confirmed opponents to watch for the Demons Deacons.
4. Vanderbilt Commodores (H)
The Commodores landed seven transfers for the upcoming season, including notable guard pickups, Frankie Collins (TCU) and Duke Miles, who shot over 40% from deep at Oklahoma. Former Washington forward Tyler Harris is another key piece to watch, while UNC transfer Jalen Washington looks to be an important part of the new-look frontcourt.
3. Oklahoma Sooners (H)
The Sooners lost everyone important from last season’s roster, including top-10 NBA Draft pick Jeremiah Fears. They did well in the portal to reload the roster, landing key transfers, Tae Davis (Notre Dame) and Xzayvier Brown (St. Joe’s). If former Alabama sophomore forward Derrion Reid has a breakout campaign, Oklahoma will avoid a drop-off in the SEC.
2. Michigan Wolverines (N)
Michigan has a highly intriguing roster for next year, led by American Player of the Year and UAB forward transfer, Yaxel Lendeborg. Other transfers, Aday Mara (UCLA) and Morez Johnson (Illinois), give them one of the better frontcourts for the 2025-26 season. If UNC transfer PG Elliot Cadeau can be an all-league performer, the Wolverines will be a Big Ten contender again.
1. Texas Tech Red Raiders (N)
Although the team lost star forward Darrion Williams to NC State via the transfer portal, they still return JT Toppin, one of the best bigs in all of college basketball. Guard Christian Anderson Jr. is set for a sophomore breakout campaign, while transfers wings Tyeree Bryan, LeJuan Watts, and Donovan Atwell give them size and shooting on the perimeter. Michigan may have a higher ceiling, but the Red Raiders’ floor gives them the edge.