Wake Forest to host Oregon State after Ole Miss trip canceled

Wake Forest has announced a home-and-home football series with Oregon State, starting next year, to replace a canceled trip to Ole Miss. The decision comes after the Rebels' coach Lane Kiffin expressed frustration over Wake Forest's withdrawal from the scheduled game in Oxford, which was part of a contract dating back to 2014. The Demon Deacons will visit Corvallis in 2025, and Oregon State is expected to play in Winston-Salem in 2029 or earlier. Athletics director John Currie emphasized the importance of making decisions that benefit the program and student-athletes, citing financial pressures in college athletics as a key factor. He acknowledged the respect for Ole Miss and congratulated them on their recent victory but stated that securing the series with Oregon State was a necessary business decision. The cancellation of the Ole Miss game has drawn criticism from Kiffin, who felt that Wake Forest violated an unwritten rule by not fulfilling the contract. He expressed disappointment over the situation, which forced Ole Miss to seek a replacement game on short notice. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities in college football scheduling, especially amid shifting conference alignments. Oregon State, along with Washington State, remains a member of the Pac-12, which has seen significant changes in its membership. The league is set to add four teams from the Mountain West in 2026, indicating a reconfiguration of the conference landscape. This series with Wake Forest marks a significant opportunity for both programs to enhance their schedules and fan engagement.