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Wake Forest Bullpen Features Several Standout Arms
The Demon Deacons have a formidable pitching staff that will help them compete in the ACC.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have a strong bullpen with several standout arms that will be key to their success this season. The closer role will be handled by right-hander Will Ray, who is looking to bounce back from an injury-shortened 2025 campaign. Senior right-hander Luke Schmolke and senior left-hander Zach Johnston bring veteran experience, while sophomore right-handers Duncan Marsten and Nate Whysong have electric stuff that could make them important pieces. The Demon Deacons also have a talented freshman class of pitchers who could make an impact.
Why it matters
Having a dominant bullpen is crucial for any successful college baseball team, and the Demon Deacons appear to have just that. Their deep and talented pitching staff should give them a major advantage as they look to compete in the highly competitive ACC and make a run at the College World Series.
The details
Will Ray will take over as Wake Forest's closer after a strong 2024 season. He'll be joined in the bullpen by veterans Luke Schmolke and Zach Johnston, who provide stability and experience. Sophomores Duncan Marsten and Nate Whysong have electric stuff that could make them breakout stars, while the Demon Deacons' talented freshman class includes several pitchers who could contribute right away.
- Ray missed most of the 2025 season due to injury, but is now ready to take over the closer role in 2026.
- Schmolke and Johnston are both seniors, providing veteran leadership to the bullpen in their final seasons.
- Marsten and Whysong had up-and-down freshman campaigns in 2025, but impressed in the offseason and summer league play, setting them up for bigger roles in 2026.
The players
Will Ray
A right-handed pitcher who will take over as Wake Forest's closer in 2026 after missing most of the 2025 season due to injury.
Luke Schmolke
A senior right-handed pitcher who provides stability and experience to the Demon Deacons' bullpen.
Zach Johnston
A senior left-handed pitcher who is looking to bounce back after a up-and-down 2025 season.
Duncan Marsten
A sophomore right-hander with electric stuff who could emerge as a key piece in the Wake Forest bullpen.
Nate Whysong
A sophomore right-hander who impressed in the offseason and summer league, setting him up for a bigger role in 2026.
What’s next
The Demon Deacons will open their season on February 13 against Houston in the Puerto Rico Challenge, kicking off a challenging non-conference schedule that will test their deep pitching staff.
The takeaway
With a talented and experienced bullpen anchored by closer Will Ray, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons have the pitching depth to compete at a high level in the ACC and make a run at the College World Series in 2026.
