Wake Forest’s Langston Hardy Named Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl Defensive Player of the Week
Wake Forest defensive lineman Langston Hardy is earning national recognition after a dominant performance helped the Demon Deacons secure a 38-14 road victory over NC State in Week 6.
The redshirt senior captain was named the Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, Oct. 12, following an impactful outing that helped Wake Forest deliver its largest road win over the Wolfpack in Raleigh in 83 years.
Langston Hardy Leads Wake Forest’s Defensive Charge
Hardy finished the contest tied with redshirt junior linebacker Vincent Firenze for the team lead in total tackles, recording eight tackles and four solo stops. He also led Wake Forest with two tackles for loss and added 1.5 sacks against NC State.
His performance helped the Demon Deacons limit the Wolfpack to just 0.6 yards per rushing attempt. According to the program, that figure was the lowest rushing average allowed by an ACC team in a game this season and tied for the second-lowest mark in a Power Four matchup, behind Washington’s minus-0.1 yards per rush against Iowa.
The Jacksonville, Florida, native’s ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage continued a productive season for Wake Forest’s defensive front.
Hardy Among ACC’s Top Tacklers for Loss
Hardy’s latest performance added to an impressive stretch of production. He entered the week tied for second in the ACC with 9.5 tackles for loss this season.
His impact extends beyond the current campaign. Across the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Hardy has recorded 26 tackles for loss, the most among active defensive players, according to Wake Forest.
Indiana’s Stephen Daley ranks next on the list with 25.0 tackles for loss, while Auburn’s Xavier Atkins and Texas’ Colin Simmons are tied with 24.5. Princewill Umanmielen, who has played for LSU and Ole Miss, rounds out the top five with 24.0.
Hardy’s ability to consistently disrupt opposing offenses has made him a key presence on the Demon Deacons’ defense and a player to watch as the season progresses.
Wake Forest Builds Momentum After NC State Win
The 38-14 victory over NC State showcased Wake Forest’s defensive strength, with Hardy helping anchor a unit that kept the Wolfpack’s rushing attack in check.
As the Demon Deacons continue their 2026 campaign, Hardy’s production along the defensive line will remain an important factor in the team’s efforts to build momentum in ACC play.
The East-West Bowl honor adds another accolade to the Wake Forest captain’s season and highlights his growing impact among the conference’s defensive standouts.
Source: Wake Forest Athletics.
