Miami vs Wake Forest Picks and Prediction for Friday, September 18, 2026
The 7th-ranked Miami Hurricanes visit the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Friday, September 18, at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, with the opening kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM ET on ESPN. Miami is 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the ACC after beating Florida A&M 77-7, while Wake Forest is 2-0 and 0-0 in conference play after a 38-36 double-overtime win at Purdue. Get ready for Friday’s matchup with our free NCAAF picks.
Miami Hurricanes Preview
Miami has overwhelmed its first two opponents, beating Stanford 45-6 before the 70-point victory over Florida A&M. The Hurricanes are averaging 427 passing yards and 275.5 rushing yards per game. Darian Mensah has completed 41 of 45 passes for 653 yards, eight touchdowns, and no interceptions. Malachi Toney has been his main target with 16 catches for 330 yards and four scores. Javian Mallory leads a deep ground attack with 173 yards and two touchdowns on only 13 carries.
The Hurricanes have allowed just 13 points through two games, including six against Stanford and seven against Florida A&M. Miami has recorded three sacks, with Marquise Lightfoot, Armondo Blount and Herbert Scroggins III each registering one. Lightfoot also leads the defense with 11 tackles. Miami’s ability to score quickly while limiting opponents has created an average scoring margin of 54.5 points through two games.
Injuries: TE L. Gilbert (undisclosed) is out.
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Wake Forest Demon Deacons Preview
Wake Forest has scored 38 points in each of its first two games, defeating Akron 38-16 before surviving Purdue 38-36 in two overtimes. Gio Lopez has completed 37 of 59 passes for 575 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, averaging 287.5 passing yards per game. Carlos Hernandez has 11 receptions for 253 yards and one touchdown, while Antonio Meeks has added 125 yards. Ty Clark III leads the rushing attack with 141 yards and one score on 19 carries.
The Demon Deacons have allowed 26 points per game, with the defensive performance dropping sharply from 16 points allowed against Akron to 36 at Purdue. Wake Forest has produced five sacks through two games but has not recorded an interception. Braylon Johnson has eight solo tackles and one sack, while Vincent Firenze has 10 total tackles and a forced fumble. Wake Forest will need more stops against a Miami offense averaging 61 points.
Injuries: WR Carlos Hernandez (chest) and WR Ny Carr (undisclosed) are questionable.
Miami (Fla.) vs Wake Forest Prediction
Miami has major advantages on both sides of the ball. Mensah has eight touchdown passes without an interception, and the Hurricanes have a strong enough running game to prevent Wake Forest from focusing entirely on the passing game. Wake Forest has moved the ball well behind Lopez, but allowing 36 points to Purdue is concerning when facing a Miami offense that has already scored 122 points. The spread has moved three points toward Miami, but the Hurricanes still have the scoring ability to cover 22.5. Wake Forest can contribute enough offensively to push the game over the current total, while Miami controls the matchup with its passing attack and stronger defense. Final Score Prediction: Miami Hurricanes win, 45-17.
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Best Picks
- Miami -22.5 (-108)
- Over 54.5 (-108)
