Wake Forest has spent much of the past several seasons trying to reestablish itself as a nationally relevant college basketball program. The Demon Deacons have enjoyed stretches of success under Steve Forbes, but one particular achievement has remained frustratingly elusive. Thursday's visit to No. 24 Vanderbilt provides an opportunity to end a drought that has lasted more than 16 years.
The Demon Deacons haven't defeated an Associated Press Top 25 opponent in a true road game since January 20, 2010, when they earned an 82–69 victory at No. 24 North Carolina. That remarkable stretch puts Thursday's contest into perspective, particularly for a program attempting to establish an identity with an almost entirely rebuilt roster.
Wake Forest opened the 2026–27 season with an 83–62 victory over Maryland Eastern Shore on Monday, but facing Vanderbilt at Memorial Gymnasium represents a dramatically different challenge. The Commodores are coming off a 27-win season and another NCAA Tournament appearance, making this one of the most meaningful early opportunities on the Demon Deacons' schedule.
A 16-year drought meets a difficult road environment
Wake Forest has beaten ranked opponents during Forbes' tenure, including an impressive 83–79 victory over No. 8 Duke in February 2024. Winning against a nationally ranked opponent away from home, however, has been a different story.
The Demon Deacons now have an opportunity to change that against a Vanderbilt team that has developed into one of the SEC's more dangerous programs under Mark Byington. The Commodores defeated Wake Forest 98–67 last December, providing an additional reminder of how demanding this particular assignment could become.
Vanderbilt enters Thursday after overwhelming Bellarmine 93–47 in its season opener. Preseason All-American Tyler Tanner led the Commodores with 20 points, six assists and four steals, while three other starters reached double figures. Vanderbilt also forced 23 turnovers, demonstrating the defensive pressure that could create problems for Wake Forest's new backcourt.
The Demon Deacons cannot afford to spend much of the opening half adjusting to the atmosphere or Vanderbilt's defensive intensity. They will need to protect the basketball, establish a reliable offensive rhythm and avoid allowing the Commodores to build an early advantage.
Wake Forest's freshmen could become the difference
One of the most encouraging developments from Wake Forest's opening victory was the production of freshman twins Gavin and Gallagher Placide. The brothers combined for 33 points and nine rebounds against Maryland Eastern Shore, providing immediate evidence that they could become important contributors.
Gavin finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks, while Gallagher scored 13 points and played a significant role during a decisive second-half run. Their production was particularly valuable for a program that entered the season needing new players to assume meaningful responsibilities.
Wake Forest also received an impressive debut from transfer guard Kevair Kennedy, who finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. His ability to control possessions and create opportunities for teammates could become especially important against Vanderbilt's aggressive defense.
The combination of Kennedy's experience and the Placide brothers' energy gives Wake Forest several interesting offensive options. Thursday will provide a much clearer indication of how effectively those pieces can perform against a ranked opponent.
A November game with consequences beyond November
An early-season victory at Vanderbilt wouldn't guarantee Wake Forest an NCAA Tournament invitation, but it would represent an important addition to the Demon Deacons' resume. Quality nonconference road wins can become particularly valuable when the selection committee begins comparing teams with similar records in March.
The opportunity is especially significant because Wake Forest has struggled to earn these victories away from home. Ending the 16-year drought would provide evidence that Forbes' rebuilt roster is capable of competing against nationally ranked opponents in difficult environments.
Vanderbilt has its own reasons to treat the game seriously. The Commodores are trying to build on consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, and protecting their home court against an ACC opponent would strengthen their early-season credentials.
For Wake Forest, the stakes are about more than one November result. Thursday represents a chance to demonstrate that a new roster can accomplish something the program hasn't achieved since 2010.
That makes this one of the most intriguing games of the opening week.
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