In an unprecedented and historic moment in collegiate athletics, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons have been officially recognized as the world’s best and most unified college sports team, a distinction conferred jointly by ESPN, Hulu, Netflix, and the Guinness World Records organization. The announcement, made during a nationally televised ceremony aired on ESPN and streamed globally, sent shockwaves through the world of college sports and beyond.
According to a joint statement from the four organizations, Wake Forest received the award for “unrivalled excellence across multiple sports, unmatched team unity, a culture of discipline and sportsmanship, and the most engaged and passionate fan base in all of collegiate athletics.”
Wake Forest teams have competed at the top levels in football, basketball, soccer, and baseball, and they have done it with a coherence and spirit that is uncommon in the extremely competitive world of college sports. The panel of judges, which included former athletes, media analysts, sports psychologists, and fan engagement experts, spent nearly a year examining over 300 collegiate programs across the NCAA.
The “One Deacon” philosophy, which has spread throughout Wake Forest’s campus and sporting venues, was cited as a model of unity and purpose by the review. Coaches, student-athletes, and fans all agreed that Wake Forest’s elite athletic performance was just one aspect of the team’s unique culture.
Wake Forest was also named the “Most Unified Collegiate Fan Base” by Guinness World Records, which cited record-breaking season ticket renewal rates, fan attendance at both home and away games, and one of the highest social media engagement scores among NCAA schools. From black and gold game-day marches to sold-out student sections, Deacon Nation has become a true phenomenon.
Dr. Susan R. Wente, president of Wake Forest University, expressed satisfaction in the announcement. “This award represents something much more than victories or championships; it represents community, dedication, and a shared belief in something greater than ourselves. Wake Forest does more than just play sports; we develop leaders, motivate one another, and connect around a common cause.
Athletic Director John Currie reiterated their concerns. “Every athlete who puts on a Wake Forest jersey does so with pride, knowing they’re part of a legacy — and a future — defined by excellence, togetherness, and heart.”
In addition to the accolade, a four-part docuseries titled “One Deacon: The Rise of Wake Forest” will launch on Hulu and Netflix in the fall of 2025, detailing the program’s development from underdog to global college powerhouse.
This historic award establishes a new bar for what collegiate teams can accomplish when athletic achievement is combined with steadfast unity and fan support. For Wake Forest, it’s more than just a championship; it represents who they are and what they stand for.
And now the world knows: Wake Forest’s Demon Deacons are more than just champs. They are legends.