WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.: With just one week left until Opening Day at David F. Couch Ballpark, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons baseball team is gearing up for an exciting season, entering the year ranked in the top 20 of all five major college baseball polls. Standout players Marek Houston and Ethan Conrad have also been recognized with numerous preseason honors.
Top 20 National Preseason Rankings
Wake Forest continues its strong presence in college baseball, marking the third-straight season of opening the year in the top 25 rankings.
| Organization | Ranking |
|---|---|
| D1 Baseball | No. 14 |
| USA Today Coaches Poll | No. 15 |
| Perfect Game | No. 16 |
| NCBWA | No. 16 |
| Baseball America | No. 17 |
Star Players Garner National Attention
Marek Houston – Junior Shortstop
Houston, a Third Team All-ACC selection in 2024, led the Deacs last season with a .326 batting average, 72 hits, 39 RBIs, and eight home runs. His standout performance has earned him a spot on several preseason All-American lists and the Golden Spikes Award Watch List.
Preseason Accolades:
| Organization | Accolade |
|---|---|
| Golden Spikes Award | Preseason Watch List |
| D1 Baseball | First Team Preseason All-American |
| D1 Baseball | Preseason Player Rankings: No. 1 Shortstop |
| Perfect Game | Second Team Preseason All-American |
| Perfect Game | No. 11 Junior |
| Baseball America | Third Team Preseason All-American |
| NCBWA | Third Team Preseason All-American |
| The Athletic | Second Team Preseason All-American |
Ethan Conrad – Junior Outfielder
Conrad, who transferred from Marist after hitting .335 with 45 extra-base hits last season, earned recognition for his standout performance in the Cape Cod League. He recorded 88 hits, 52 RBIs, and nine home runs in 2023.
Preseason Accolades:
| Organization | Accolade |
|---|---|
| Golden Spikes Award | Preseason Watch List |
| D1 Baseball | Third Team Preseason All-American |
| D1 Baseball | Preseason Player Rankings: No. 8 Outfielder |
| Perfect Game | No. 9 Junior |
| Baseball America | Third Team Preseason All-American |
| NCBWA | Second Team Preseason All-American |
2025 Ticket Options
Fans can enjoy Wake Forest baseball through various ticketing options this season:
Single Game Tickets
- Non-conference games: Starting at $8
- ACC games: Starting at $12
- Purchase: Call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322
2025 Moe’s Southwest Grill 4-Pack
- Price: Starting at $20
- Includes four tickets and a $10 Moe’s coupon
- Valid locations: Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Burlington, Mebane, and Clemmons (expires June 30, 2025)
Season Tickets
- Starting price: $150
- Season tickets come with multiple exclusive benefits and potential postseason priority
- Purchase: Call 336-758-3322
New Premium Deacon Deck Seating
- Includes all-you-can-eat tailgate food, non-alcoholic drinks, and a private bar with beer and wine
- Loge-style deck seating with access to general admission sections 1-4
- Additional perks: Climate-controlled lounge seating, HD TVs, and one McCreary Tower lot parking pass per four tickets
The Bresky Era Continues
Under head coach Tony Bresky, the Demon Deacons have thrived, winning major championships and consistently performing at a high level:
| Title/Accomplishment | Years |
|---|---|
| NCAA National Championship | 2018 |
| ACC Tournament Titles | 2016, 2018, 2019 |
| ACC Regular Season Titles | 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| ITA National Team Indoor Championship | 2018 |
Bresky, a five-time ITA Regional Coach of the Year, has developed numerous All-ACC players and led the team to 338 wins. His leadership continues to position Wake Forest as a powerhouse in college baseball.
What’s Next?
The Demon Deacons kick off their 2025 season next week at David F. Couch Ballpark. After that, they’ll prepare for high-stakes matchups and the ITA National Team Indoor Championships in Dallas from Feb. 14-18.
