Robby Ashford’s college football journey has taken him from Oregon to Auburn to South Carolina — and now to Wake Forest, where he’s aiming to make one last mark.
Ashford joined the Gamecocks in 2024 as a seasoned transfer expected to push LaNorris Sellers for the starting quarterback job following Spencer Rattler’s departure. Sellers ultimately secured the QB1 spot that spring, but Ashford proved to be a valuable depth piece.
In eight appearances, he threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns, highlighted by a standout performance in a win over Akron. When Sellers went down against LSU, Ashford stepped in without missing a beat, quickly earning the trust of head coach Shane Beamer and his teammates. That respect was clear when Beamer allowed him to keep practicing and traveling with the team through the bowl game — even after Ashford had entered the transfer portal.
By January, Ashford had committed to Wake Forest, where first-year head coach Jake Dickert has praised his athleticism and competitive spirit. The Demon Deacons, coming off back-to-back losing seasons and picked 16th in the ACC preseason poll, are giving Ashford a chance to lead. He’s currently in a quarterback battle with Charlotte transfer Deshawn Purdie, but reports suggest he’s the frontrunner.
“Robby Ashford, he’s a special talent and a special kid,” Wake Forest center Devin Kylany said. “He’s not taking this moment for granted.”
There are still questions about his passing accuracy — Ashford owns a career 51.8% completion rate with an 11:9 touchdown-to-interception ratio — but his rushing ability is unquestioned. In his SEC career alone, he’s piled up over 900 yards on the ground. Dickert has already indicated that Ashford will have a role in the offense no matter who starts.
For Ashford, Wake Forest is more than just another stop — it’s a final opportunity to lead a team and make a lasting impression on college football, much like he did in his brief but impactful time at South Carolina.
