The Hurricanes hold off the Deacs. Despite a late push, #5 Miami holds on for a 33-20 win.
Back in July, we noted while every game is important, Wake Forest would have a second half of September which could be a game-changer (click HERE to read our article).
And such a game takes place at Allegacy Financial Stadium (September 18, 2026 with a 7:30pm Primetime kickoff via ESPN) as the Deacs host one of teams which is among the best in the country, the 5th ranked Miami Hurricanes. Led by ACC Pre-season Player of the Year Darian Mensah (41/45 for 653 passing yards/91.1 completion percentage/8 touchdowns and 0 interceptions), ACC Preseason All-Conference selections Mark Fletcher, Jr (20 carries/145 rushing yards/7.3 yards per carry/2 touchdowns) and Malachi Toney (16 receptions/330 yards/20.6 yards per catch/4 touchdowns), along with Javian Mallory (13 carries/173 yards/13.3 yards per carry/2 touchdowns), the 'Canes are scoring 61 points per game along with 702.5 yards per game of total offense. Defensively, they are allowing 6.5 points per game and are led by Marquise Lightfoot (11 tackles) as the team looks to earn their second win in conference play (in as many games).
Wake brings an offensive attack scoring 38 points per game and 485 yards per game of total offense. Gio Lopez (575 passing yards/62.7 completion percentage/4 touchdowns/0 interceptions along with 97 rushing yards for a 4.6 yards per carry average and 2 additional touchdowns), Ty Clark III (19 carries/141 rushing yards/7.4 yards per carry/1 touchdown), and Carlos Hernandez (11 receptions/253 yards/23.0 yards per catch/1 touchdown) look to give the Miami defense their toughest challenge to date. Defensively, Vincent Firenze (20 tackles) and Langston Hardy (1 sack) look to get the Hurricanes' offense off-schedule and making things disruptive (as they are allowing 26 points per game).
The twists and turns of conference play are sure to be on full display, as the Deacs and Hurricanes take it to the field.
Recap: Miami's early run is enough to hold off the Deacs.
Miami starts with the ball and gets the scoring started on their opening drive. At the 7:20 mark of the 1st quarter, Darian Mensah's 9-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Moore caps off a 14 play drive (92 yards) to take a 7-0 lead. Wake Forest would respond on their first drive of the game as Gio Lopez 10-yard touchdown pass to Kamrean Johnson to tie the game at 7 (1:22 in the 1st quarter).
And then Miami responds with a 17-point run to conclude the 1st half.
Scoring drives in the 2nd quarter include a 21-yard touchdown pass to Elija Lofton (13:07 in the 2nd quarter), a 1-yard touchdown run by Mark Fletcher, Jr. (8:17 in the 2nd quarter), and a field goal with 2 seconds left in the quarter (by Jake Weinberg) to give the Hurricanes a 24-7 lead at the half.
After Wake starts with the ball for the 2nd half/3rd quarter, Miami extends the lead to 31-7 (8:56 in the 3rd quarter) as Malachi Toney's 2-yard touchdown reception extends the lead.
The Deacs snap the Hurricanes' scoring run with a touchdown of their own (4:06 in the 3rd quarter) with a 23-yard score (reception) by Jack Foley to cut the deficit to 31-13. Although the 2-point conversion is unsuccessful, their scoring drive early in the 4th quarter (14:56 in the 4th quarter) thanks to a 17-yard touchdown reception by Carlos Hernandez gets them within 2 scores of the Hurricanes (31-20).
Wake's scoring run gets snapped at the 13:11 mark of the quarter as a holding call in the end zone leads to Miami getting 2 points (safety) to put the game at 33-20.
Despite a number of penalties (including negating a 50-plus yard punt return), Wake continues to hang in, including blocking a 54-yard field goal attempt by Miami at the 4:23 mark of the 4th quarter. However, while making a late push, Ethan O'Connor's interception inside the 5-yard (of Miami) halts the Deacs' efforts to make it a one-score game.
The Hurricanes end up holding on and handing the Deacs their first loss of the season (and their first in conference play).
Post-game: The Deacs battle back, but fall short and fall to 0-1 in the conference (2-1 overall)
Despite the penalties (Wake commits 13 penalties for 122 yards compared to 7 for 75 yards by Miami) and losing the time of possession battle (33:24 to 26:36), Wake's 2nd half performance nearly brings them all the way back as the Hurricanes have a slight advantage in total offense (378 to 334).
While Miami's Darian Mensah completes 30 of 34 passes (along with 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions), he throws for 220 yards as he works the short game compared to the larger explosive plays synonymous with their play of the first 2 weeks. Malachi Toney goes for 12 receptions for 114 yards (1 touchdown), but the early running presence of Mark Fletcher, Jr. (16 carries for 85 yards/1 touchdown) along with the Hurricanes going for nearly 5 yards per carry (34 rushes for 158 yards/4.6 yards per carry) play a role in coming away with a win. Defensively, Ethan O'Connor (8 tackles and an interception to preserve the win) leads the way as Miami produces 3 sacks.
Wake's Gio Lopez goes for more than 300 passing yards (29 of 46 for 312 yards/3 touchdowns and 1 interception) and the efforts of Jack Foley (6 receptions for 118 yards/1 touchdown) and Carlos Hernandez (10 receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown) help pace the offense. Aiden Hall (9 tackles) and Langston Hardy (1 sack) help get the defense back in gear as the team looks to rebound for their upcoming road trip to take on the Louisville Cardinals (September 26, 2026 at 12pm EST).
For post-game, Head Coach Jake Dickert, defensive tackle Dallas Afalava, and wide receiver Jack Foley speak to the media. All note the team's uneven start in the first half and team penalties as areas of focus, but speak to the team's character and improved play to nearly come all the way back against the 5th ranked team in the country (you may watch Coach Dickert's full remarks and segments of the players' remarks below).
NOTES: You may watch the 2026 season playlist (click HERE) which includes game snapshots and post-game interviews. Now 2-1 overall (0-1 in the ACC), Wake travels to Louisville to take on the currently 23rd ranked Cardinals on September 26, 2026 (12pm Kickoff) as they look to even their conference record at 1-1.
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