Wake Forest at Louisville: Cardinals Have the Edge, but the Spread Calls for Caution
Louisville’s balanced offense makes a persuasive case, but Wake Forest’s passing production complicates the price of backing the Cardinals.
Matchup overview
Louisville’s rushing performance against SMU supplies the strongest angle for its September 26, 2026, college football matchup with Wake Forest. The Cardinals gained 265 yards on the ground in a 41-31 victory, complementing the consecutive 300-yard passing games Lincoln Kienholz delivered to open the season. Wake Forest counters with Gio Lopez, who threw for 312 yards against Miami. This Week 4 ACC meeting, the programs’ first since 2022, presents a credible Louisville advantage without an equally clear case for laying 12.5 points.
At a glance
Game: Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Louisville Cardinals, September 26, 2026. College football, ACC.
Records: Both teams are 2-1 overall. Louisville is 1-0 in conference play after beating SMU 41-31; Wake Forest is 0-1 after losing 33-20 to Miami.
SportsJaw moneyline: Wake Forest +383; Louisville -500.
SportsJaw spread: Wake Forest +12.5 (-110); Louisville -12.5 (-110).
SportsJaw total: Over 58.5 (-110); under 58.5 (-110).
Recent opposition: Louisville beat No. 16 SMU, while Wake Forest’s defeat came against No. 5 Miami.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons outlook
Wake Forest’s best argument starts with Lopez and a passing game that produced against Miami despite the defeat. He completed 29 of 46 attempts for 312 yards and three touchdowns. Through three games, his totals stood at 887 passing yards, seven touchdown passes and one interception, with a 62.9% completion rate. That interception count supports some confidence in his decision-making, although it does not establish the ball security of the entire offense.