Wake Forest President Peter Rodriguez Named Open the Gate Honoree for Akron Opener

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Wake Forest President Peter Rodriguez will serve as the Demon Deacons' Open the Gate honoree for Thursday night's season opener against Akron at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.

Rodriguez became Wake Forest's 15th president on July 1 after previously serving as dean of Rice University's business school. Wake Forest Athletics announced the honor Monday as part of its traditional pregame recognition of people who have made meaningful contributions to the university and Winston-Salem communities.

The Open the Gate tradition began in 2008. Honorees lead the football team onto the field alongside the Demon Deacon mascot before home games.

Wake Forest opens the 2026 season against Akron on Thursday, Sept. 3, in Winston-Salem.