Story perspectives

Wake Forest, Syracuse Kick Off 2027 ACC Season in Toronto

5/7/2026

Summary

Wake Forest Toronto

Wake Forest will open its 2027 season with an ACC game against Syracuse in Toronto on Aug. 28-29, 2027.
According to ACC commissioner Jim Phillips, the game at BMO Field—its NCAA football event—will bring ACC football to an international stage during Canadian National Exhibition.
Athletics director John Currie said the game builds on Coach Jake Dickert’s 9-4 debut and is Wake Forest’s international contest since the 1982 Mirage Bowl in Tokyo.

Summary

ACC Toronto Kickoff

ACC teamed with ESPN Events and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment to stage Toronto’s kickoff.
The game will air on ABC or ESPN, kickoff time pending.
BMO Field, 2026 FIFA World Cup venue, will host an NCAA football game during the Canadian National Exhibition, attracting 1.5 million visitors.
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips said the Toronto matchup advances league’s three-continent brand-expansion plan, moving it from Week 0 to Week 2 under AFCA’s 20-week calendar.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA’s first regular-season game abroad came in September 1976 when Grambling State beat Morgan State in Tokyo, and the following year the Mirage Bowl drew Boston College and Texas before about 55,000 fans. That overseas success led to periodic games in Australia, Europe and Canada, and now ACC officials Jim Phillips and John Currie are scheduling a 2027 Toronto kickoff at BMO Field.

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Wake Forest Toronto

Wake Forest will open its 2027 season with an ACC game against Syracuse in Toronto on Aug. 28-29, 2027.
According to ACC commissioner Jim Phillips, the game at BMO Field—its NCAA football event—will bring ACC football to an international stage during Canadian National Exhibition.
Athletics director John Currie said the game builds on Coach Jake Dickert’s 9-4 debut and is Wake Forest’s international contest since the 1982 Mirage Bowl in Tokyo.

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