theSCOUTING Report: Wake Forest

September 16, 2026 -

The Hurricanes (2-0, 1-0 ACC) travel north to Winston-Salem, North Carolina on Friday to take on Wake Forest (2-0, 0-0 ACC).

Today, we will break down the Demon Deacons, their strengths and weakness as well as players Miami needs to be aware in this contest.

OVERVIEW:

Wake Forest is a veteran team with 17 of their 22 starters being upperclassmen. They are not as talented as Miami but can be very dangerous. Just ask Purdue.

OFFENSE:

Wake Forest has averaged 485.0 offensive yards per game (290.5 passing (39th) and 194.5 yards rushing (46th) after two games this season.

It all starts with their quarterback, Gio Lopez. He transferred into Wake this off-season from North Carolina. Lopez is an explosive dual-threat lefty that can hurt you with both his arm and legs.

At 6’-0”/220, Lopez has 575 passing yards (62.7%) with four touchdowns while rushing for 97 yards and two touchdowns. He averages 4.6 yards per carry. Lopez is effective in the intermediate passing range (10-19 yards). He tends to hold onto the ball too long, with an average throwing time of 2.94 seconds in the first two games this season. However, due to his play making ability, Lopez will be a formidable test for Miami’s defense.

Wake’s leading receiver is Carlos Hernandez with 253 yards and 1 touchdown on 11 receptions (23.0 YPC).

Wake Forest has a solid but under utilized rushing game, averaging 5.3 yards per rushing attempt. Ty Clark leads the Demon Deacons in rushing with 141 yards on 19 carries (7.4 YPC). Deuce Lawrence has added 97 yards and one touchdown on the ground.

DEFENSE:

Wake has a strong veteran defense. The front seven is the strength of this team. Through two games, the demon Deacons have given up 26.0 points per game (97th in the nation).

The defensive line is led by DE Langston Hardy  with 11 tackles and one sack, DE Gabe Kirschke with 9 tackles and DT Dallas Afalava with 7 tackles and .5 sacks.

The linebackers are led by Vincent Firenze with a team leading 20 tackles and a forced fumble. Frank Cusano and Aiden Hall have also added 13 tackles each.

The secondary is led by Braylon Johnson with 16 tackles and one sack, along with Davaughn Patterson (12 tackles), Rushaun Tongue (11 tackles) and Ashaad Williams (8 tackles). However, this group has not recorded an interception in 2026.

Wake Forest appears to be vulnerable in their secondary.

BOTTOM LINE:

Wake Forest has a dangerous offense led by Gio Perez and a veteran front seven on defense. Miami must contain Lopez and test Wake’s secondary.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on ESPN and 560-WQAM.

GO CANES!