Wake Forest Preview (Game One)

[catdaddyp]

Wake surprised and won 9 games last season, though they may be hard-pressed to replicate that success in 2026. In the off-season, the staff targeted older transfers—with experience—in an attempt to create a more veteran team.

 

QB:

UNC/South Alabama transfer Gio Lopez will take the reins of the offense in 2026. He’s completed nearly 66% of his passes for 4,781 yards and 32 touchdowns versus 12 interceptions in his collegiate career. However, he can be feast or famine at times. For example, in Wake’s last scrimmage, he completed nine straight passes before proceeding to go 3 of 15 with two interceptions to close out the scrimmage.

Edge: Wake

 

RB:

Junior Ty Clark is the expected starter after collecting 323 yards and 3 touchdowns last year—including a performance of 91 rushing and 73 receiving yards in the bowl game.

Edge: Akron

 

WR:

Carlos Hernandez is on several All-ACC preseason teams as a receiver and/or kick returner. The senior had 40 receptions for 611 yards and 3 touchdowns last season—including a 93-yard touchdown reception. Rice transfer Drayden Dickmann and Louisville transfer Antonio Meeks should be the other starters.

Edge: Akron

 

TE:

Senior Kamrean Johnson should step into the starter role after being the primary backup in 2025.

Edge: Even

 

OL:

Only one starter returns from last year, and he has been working with the second unit—at a different position than he played last year. Wake will likely roll out three FCS transfers, a transfer from Oregon State, and a second-year player along the starting OL. Holding penalties have apparently been an issue with this new group during camp.

Edge: Even

 

DE:

Redshirt seniors Langston Hardy and Gabe Kirschke provide a legitimate pass rush off the edge. The duo combined for 12 sacks in 2025, with Hardy also listed on the Chuck Bednarik Award Watchlist.

Edge: Wake

 

DT:

Weber State transfer Matt Herron, former Idaho transfer Dallas Afalava, and redshirt senior Zach Lohavichan will receive the majority of snaps on the interior of the defensive line.

Edge: Wake

 

LB:

Senior Aiden Hall returns as one starting linebacker and is on several All-ACC preseason teams after amassing 73 total tackles in 2025. He will be flanked by redshirt sophomore Frank Cusano, who collected 45 total tackles last season.

Edge: Wake

 

CB:

FIU transfer and former CUSA Honorable Mention Duece Blades will start at one corner. Redshirt senior Ashaad Williams, who played in four games last year, is expected to start opposite Blades.

Edge: Wake

 

S:

Redshirt junior Davaughn Patterson resumes his role as a starter, where he had 80 total tackles and 9 passes defended and has been named to several All-ACC preseason teams. Braylon Johnson is also back as a returning starter after collecting 38 total tackles last season. Redshirt sophomore Rushaun Tongue should fill in at the other safety spot.

Edge: Wake

 

ST:

Connor Calvert returns after going 18 of 22 on field goals and 32 of 33 on extra points. Australian freshman Ethan Hyams will likely take over punting duties.

Edge: Wake

 

 

Prediction:

I’m sticking with my original preseason prediction and going with a loss here. I didn’t feel great about our rebuilt OL versus Wake’s DL before, and now that issue will likely be compounded with a redshirt freshman at quarterback. Hopefully, Broughton can offset his inexperience with some natural playmaking ability.

 

I am anxious to see how our DL fares against Wake’s OL. I think this is an area where we could hold our own. However, our linebacking corps could offset this line of thinking.

 

Edited Saturday at 10:54 AM by catdaddyp

[GP1]

I expect a close, low scoring game. Wake has left the door open for teams like App State, Kennesaw State, etc to win late against them but they didn't. I'm expecting something similar to happen because that's just what they do. 

 

However, NC State once left the door open for Akron to win in Raleigh, and they did. 

 

Never be surprised when an ACC team loses. 

 

Wake Forest 20

Akron 14

[MangoZip]

I’d really like to be more optimistic about this game but I just can’t bring myself to do it. It certainly appears that we will be starting a QB that will be making his first college start, away, against a P4 opponent - not a good recipe for success. Combine that with a very suspect defense and it could be a long day for the Zips. The key to this game will be the Zips ability to run the ball. If they can do this it will protect the qb and keep the Wake offense off the field. Even if this happens I still think Wake will have enough big plays to win this game. Wake 31 Akron 13. 😢

[exit322]

8 minutes ago, MangoZip said:

I’d really like to be more optimistic about this game but I just can’t bring myself to do it. It certainly appears that we will be starting a QB that will be making his first college start, away, against a P4 opponent - not a good recipe for success. Combine that with a very suspect defense and it could be a long day for the Zips. The key to this game will be the Zips ability to run the ball. If they can do this it will protect the qb and keep the Wake offense off the field. Even if this happens I still think Wake will have enough big plays to win this game. Wake 31 Akron 13. 😢

 

It appears our coaching staff wasn't smart enough to see if their star QB transfer had actual eligibility.  Why would you be optimistic?

Edited Saturday at 03:09 PM by exit322

[GP1]

35 minutes ago, MangoZip said:

I’d really like to be more optimistic about this game but I just can’t bring myself to do it. It certainly appears that we will be starting a QB that will be making his first college start, away, against a P4 opponent - not a good recipe for success. Combine that with a very suspect defense and it could be a long day for the Zips. The key to this game will be the Zips ability to run the ball. If they can do this it will protect the qb and keep the Wake offense off the field. Even if this happens I still think Wake will have enough big plays to win this game. Wake 31 Akron 13. 😢

I understand the pessimism. 

 

What I hope fans understand is there is a big difference between an ACC team that finishes 4-4 in conference at the bottom of the middle third of the conference and a similar finishing Big Ten or SEC school. The gap between a team like Wake and a high level MAC school isn't that great. While Akron isn't a high level MAC program, we are a middle of the pack MAC school. 

 

Anything can happen, but I don't see Akron getting blown out. 

[GP1]

https://mozelles.com/ One of the best restaurants I the Southeast. Lunch and dinner. Even if you are staying uptown, you'll have to drive. It's close, but not a walk I would make this time of year. 

 

https://andrewsrestaurantsws.com/young-cardinal/ One of my all time favorite breakfast places. Get the sausage gravy as a side in place of potatoes and pour it over the biscuit they give you. Uptown. 

 

https://www.foothillsbrewing.com/welcome/?returnUrl=https://www.foothillsbrewing.com/

If you are staying at the Courtyard uptown, take 20 steps to the right and you'll be there. I'm not a craft beer person, but I do think this is one of the best in NC. 

 

https://www.smallbatchws.com/ I don't like bourbon, but the burgers here are great. It's by the big Marriott uptown. 

 

https://www.villagetavern.com/. Cool place at Reynolda Village. Not in the city. Close to campus. 

 

Thirsty Pallet is an uptown dive bar. I love the place. Walkable from anywhere uptown. 

 

Tailgating food: Mountain Fried Chicken. Close to the stadium. You can't go wrong with a fried chicken shop that has the tagline "It Ain't Greasy". 

 

If you get sucked into the whole Lexington BBQ thing, remember to get it sliced, not chopped. 

 

Someone mentioned they were staying at the Courtyard by the stadium. Pickings a slim, but Putters is a good choice. If you are parking at the basketball arena and not tailgating, but want some drinks, Putters is close. https://www.putterspatioandgrill.com/

 

If you want to see some shops in natural setting Reynolda Village is good but you have to drive to it. Trade Street has some shops you could look at. The Learfield Radio studio is on Trade Street and on Saturdays you can watch the guys do highlights. 

 

If you are a student and want to be around people your age, take an Uber to Burke Street Pub. That area is where the students go. Do us all a favor and clean yourself up when you go. Represent well. I've been at this place on a Friday night. The girls dress and look unlike what you see in Akron. They are rich kids who look rich and dress like rich kids. Don't be a slob. 

Edited Sunday at 12:09 AM by GP1

[AkronAlumnus]

1 hour ago, GP1 said:

https://mozelles.com/ One of the best restaurants I the Southeast. Breakfast and lunch. Even if you are staying uptown, you'll have to drive. It's close, but not a walk I would make this time of year. 

 

https://andrewsrestaurantsws.com/young-cardinal/ One of my all time favorite breakfast places. Get the sausage gravy as a side in place of potatoes and pour it over the biscuit they give you. Uptown. 

 

https://www.foothillsbrewing.com/welcome/?returnUrl=https://www.foothillsbrewing.com/

If you are staying at the Courtyard uptown, take 20 steps to the right and you'll be there. I'm not a craft beer person, but I do think this is one of the best in NC. 

 

https://www.smallbatchws.com/ I don't like bourbon, but the burgers here are great. It's by the big Marriott uptown. 

 

https://www.villagetavern.com/. Cool place at Reynolda Village. Not in the city. Close to campus. 

 

Thirsty Pallet is an uptown dive bar. I love the place. Walkable from anywhere uptown. 

 

Tailgating food: Mountain Fried Chicken. Close to the stadium. You can't go wrong with a fried chicken shop that has the tagline "It Ain't Greasy". 

 

If you get sucked into the whole Lexington BBQ thing, remember to get it sliced, not chopped. 

 

Someone mentioned they were staying at the Courtyard by the stadium. Pickings a slim, but Putters is a good choice. If you are parking at the basketball arena and not tailgating, but want some drinks, Putters is close. https://www.putterspatioandgrill.com/

 

If you want to see some shops in natural setting Reynolda Village is good but you have to drive to it. Trade Street has some shops you could look at. The Learfield Radio studio is on Trade Street and on Saturdays you can watch the guys do highlights. 

 

If you are a student and want to be around people your age, take an Uber to Burke Street Pub. That area is where the students go. Do us all a favor and clean yourself up when you go. Represent well. I've been at this place on a Friday night. The girls dress and look unlike what you see in Akron. They are rich kids who look rich and dress like rich kids. Don't be a slob. 

Thank you!

[GP1]

6 hours ago, AkronAlumnus said:

Thank you!

 

6 hours ago, AkronAlumnus said:

Thank you!

No problem. I made a mistake in the Mozelles portion but corrected. 

[ZippyRulz]

On 8/29/2026 at 6:51 AM, GP1 said:

I expect a close, low scoring game. Wake has left the door open for teams like App State, Kennesaw State, etc to win late against them but they didn't. I'm expecting something similar to happen because that's just what they do. 

 

However, NC State once left the door open for Akron to win in Raleigh, and they did. 

 

Never be surprised when an ACC team loses. 

 

Wake Forest 20

Akron 14

 

Gemini agrees on the low scoring part but JoeMo hasn't been good against Power 4 'high' point spreads...

 

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS) History: Under head coach Joe Moorhead, Akron is 0–9 ATS as an underdog of 23+ points against Power 4 programs. Conversely, Wake Forest has proven strong as a heavy favorite, going 14–6 ATS when favored by double digits since 2019.

The "Under" Trend: The Under is 4–0 in Akron’s last four games as a road underdog. Additionally, when Akron faces massive point spreads (20+ point underdogs), their games lean heavily toward low scoring—they averaged just 6.0 points per game in those matchups over the last two seasons.

Line Movement: Wake Forest opened as a 22.5 to 23.5-point favorite and was pushed up to -24.5 as money poured in on the Demon Deacons. The total ticked down slightly from an opening 49.5 down to 48.5.

Predictions & Expert Consensus

Score Prediction: Wake Forest 42, Akron 13 (or a similar ~28–31 point margin victory for Wake Forest).

Best Bet / Best Value: Under 48.5 Points. Analysts point to Wake Forest returning 9 starters on defense, likely controlling the line of scrimmage against an Akron offense that suffered heavy transfer portal losses. Blowout non-conference games like this often feature a running clock in the second half, limiting overall scoring output.

Spread Pick: Wake Forest -24.5. With Wake Forest expected to dominate the trenches, oddsmakers project a ~55% chance they cover the 24.5-point margin.

 

Edited 6 hours ago by ZippyRulz

[Captain Kangaroo]

I’ll go 41-13 Wake

 

Unlike when we beat NC State 20 years ago, we won’t have a 4th year Pittsburgh transfer, returning MAC Championship QB + a ring of honor WR to rely on. We’ll have a redshirt freshman in his first start and a bevy of WR’s who’ve never caught one of his passes in a real game.

Broughton is a QB that can make things happen with his arm, and more-likely his legs. Tough kid. That’s why I see him as #1, and Ruggow #2. 
 

If we’re to have a shot, CB will need to channel his inner Armanti Edwards…or Kyle Pohl.

 

[MangoZip]

On 8/29/2026 at 11:00 AM, MangoZip said:

I’d really like to be more optimistic about this game but I just can’t bring myself to do it. It certainly appears that we will be starting a QB that will be making his first college start, away, against a P4 opponent - not a good recipe for success. Combine that with a very suspect defense and it could be a long day for the Zips. The key to this game will be the Zips ability to run the ball. If they can do this it will protect the qb and keep the Wake offense off the field. Even if this happens I still think Wake will have enough big plays to win this game. Wake 31 Akron 13. 😢

With the heat that is forecasted I’ll double down on this and reiterate that the running game will be vitally important. Zips HAVE TO be able to run the ball and keep their defense off the field. Whoever’s defense is on the field the most will wilt in this heat. Zips have to be able to move the sticks some on keep their D on the bench or this game could get out of hand. 

[72 Roo]

My biggest concern in the Wake game is not who is at QB, but if he will keep his undershirt tucked in. I'm shocked that there isn't more concern over this. Where are your values?

[ZippyDoo]

1 hour ago, 72 Roo said:

My biggest concern in the Wake game is not who is at QB, but if he will keep his undershirt tucked in. I'm shocked that there isn't more concern over this. Where are your values?

LOL....

[ZippyDoo]

I know I'm old and optimist but I'm excited for tomorrow night. I can't wait to see the new team. IF it's CB hopefully his legs and his arm present a problem WF isn't prepared for him. And i am very excited to see the new defense !!!

[GP1]

1 hour ago, 72 Roo said:

My biggest concern in the Wake game is not who is at QB, but if he will keep his undershirt tucked in. I'm shocked that there isn't more concern over this. Where are your values?

They are professionals now. They should observe NFL uniform standards or get a fine. 

[MangoZip]

14 minutes ago, GP1 said:

They are professionals now. They should observe NFL uniform standards or get a fine. 

Akron players aren’t getting paid, and if so it’s barely. They would be on food stamps! 

[GP1]

20 minutes ago, MangoZip said:

Akron players aren’t getting paid, and if so it’s barely. They would be on food stamps! 

That Competitive Excellence Fund must not be doing well.