Miami brings the ranking, and Wake Forest brings the cushion as I make my Miami vs. Wake Forest prediction. The Hurricanes roll into Winston-Salem as 20.5-point favorites for Friday’s 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, but Demon Deacons QB Gio Lopez offers the home side some upset-proofing.
Let's explain the underdog angle and round out the card with more college football picks.
Top Pick
Who will win Miami vs Wake Forest: Wake Forest +20.5
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are playable down to +17.5.
I like backing dual-threat quarterbacks, especially in college football, and that describes Wake Forest QB Gio Lopez. A mobile QB can turn busted passing plays into first downs while showing explosiveness outside of structure, which is valuable for a +20.5 underdog.
Also, the Miami Hurricanes have registered just three sacks this season. It makes sense for Miami's defensive front to take a step back after losing its two best pass-rushers from last year, Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain, to the NFL. It's tough to register a three-touchdown win if you can't pressure the quarterback.
Demon Deacons WR Carlos Hernandez has logged the second-most receiving yards in the ACC through the first two games, and he should feast on a Miami secondary missing three of its five best cornerbacks: Ja'Boree Antoine, O.J. Frederique, and Xavier Lucas.
COVERS INTEL: Wake Forest is 5-3 against the spread as an underdog since hiring head coach Jake Dickert before last season.
Miami vs Wake Forest Over/Under pick: Under 56.5
This is more of a lean, but I'd consider taking the Under at 54.5 or higher and I'm definitely using it in my combo.
These teams are 4-0 to the Over this season, and this is a prime-time game, so I expect the Over to be the popular side. Hurricanes QB Darian Mensah (17% at Kalshi) is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, and the Demon Deacons just gave up 36 points to Purdue last week.
But I prefer fading the market and recent results rather than following. Miami ranks 107th nationally in seconds per play. That slow pace should limit possessions and make it harder for this game to reach the mid-50s.
Finally, 28 of the 69 points in Wake Forest's game against Purdue last week were scored in double overtime.
Miami vs Wake Forest prop: Wake Forest +11.5 first-half spread
The Demon Deacons' first-half spread is good down to 10.5.
Even though their secondary is banged up, it's much likelier that the Hurricanes wear the Demon Deacons down and pull away in the second half. After all, Miami is better in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and Wake Forest just played in double overtime last week.
Meanwhile, the Demon Deacons have covered the first-half spread in 10 of their last 12 games.
Miami vs Wake Forest combo
This combo leans into the same game script across all three legs: Wake Forest hangs around early, Miami controls the pace, and the Hurricanes create separation later.
Gio Lopez’s mobility gives the Demon Deacons enough offense to stay competitive, while Miami’s slow tempo supports the Under. Wake Forest's first-half spread is a natural fit alongside its full-game spread and the Under in this prime-time matchup.
Miami vs Wake Forest combo (3.4x)
- Wake Forest +20.5
- Under 56.5
- Demon Deacons +11.5 first-half spread
- Top picks: 4-8, -4.20 units
- Combos: 2-10, -4.25 units
Miami vs Wake Forest odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Miami -20.5 | Wake Forest +20.5
- Over/Under: Over 56.5 (51%) | Under 56.5 (54%)
- Moneyline: Miami 93% | Wake Forest 9%
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Miami vs Wake Forest weather
The temperature in Winston-Salem on Friday is expected to be roughly 81 degrees, with a 57% chance of rain.
Check out our college football weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
Miami vs Wake Forest trend to know
The Hurricanes have covered seven consecutive games against a team with a winning record. Find more college football betting trends for Miami vs. Wake Forest.
How to watch Miami vs Wake Forest
| Location | Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, Winston-Salem, N.C. |
| Date | Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Miami vs Wake Forest latest injuries
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