Integrated circuit structures including increased transistor source/drain (S/D) contact area using a sacrificial S/D layer are provided herein. The sacrificial layer, which includes different material from the S/D material, is deposited into the S/D trenches prior to the epitaxial growth of that S/D material, such that the sacrificial layer acts as a space-holder below the S/D material. During S/D contact processing, the sacrificial layer can be selectively etched relative to the S/D material to at least partially remove it, leaving space below the S/D material for the contact metal to fill. In some cases, the contact metal is also between portions of the S/D material. In some cases, the contact metal wraps around the epi S/D, such as when dielectric wall structures on either side of the S/D region are employed. By increasing the S/D contact area, the contact resistance is reduced, thereby improving the performance of the transistor device.