Image Source: FOX Sports
Wake Forest football faces a major ACC test Saturday when the No. 13 Demon Deacons visit the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. The game begins at 12 p.m. ET on Nov. 14, 2026, with both teams trying to stay close to first-place Miami in the conference race.
Wake Forest enters the matchup in impressive form. The Demon Deacons have won six consecutive games and have not allowed more than 14 points in any of their last five contests. That defensive consistency has helped turn Wake Forest into one of the ACC’s most difficult teams to defeat during the second half of the season.
SMU also arrives with momentum after recovering from a three-point loss at Syracuse. The Mustangs defeated Virginia Tech at home on Nov. 6, setting up a meeting between the ACC’s second- and third-place teams. With the conference standings tightening, Saturday’s result could have a significant effect on the league’s championship and College Football Playoff picture.
Wake Forest Football Meets SMU in a Critical ACC Battle
The matchup offers a clear contrast in styles. Wake Forest has shown the ability to control games with a disciplined defense, while SMU has leaned heavily on an aggressive passing attack led by quarterback Kevin Jennings. The Mustangs will need to protect the football and finish drives if they hope to break through against a confident Demon Deacons squad.
- When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at 12 p.m. ET
- Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN’s streaming platform
Explosive Receiver Carlos Hernandez Leads Wake Forest
Wake Forest wide receiver Carlos Hernandez is one of the most important players to watch. After catching two touchdown passes against Merrimack, Hernandez has seven touchdown receptions this season and leads the Demon Deacons with 945 receiving yards.
Hernandez has recorded four games with at least 100 receiving yards, including a 136-yard performance against Virginia on Oct. 31. His big-play potential was also evident on a 78-yard catch, demonstrating how quickly he can change the outcome of a drive.
SMU allows 193.9 passing yards per game and has recorded only three interceptions. That could create opportunities for Wake Forest quarterback and offensive playmakers to attack downfield. The Mustangs may need additional safety help to prevent Hernandez from turning short completions into explosive gains.
Kevin Jennings Powers SMU’s High-Scoring Attack
SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings brings an equally dangerous skill set to the contest. He has thrown 25 touchdown passes and leads the Mustangs with 2,764 passing yards. Jennings has also surpassed 350 passing yards in each of SMU’s last two games, including a four-touchdown outing against Virginia Tech.
Wake Forest has allowed 225 passing yards per game, which could give Jennings opportunities to push the ball vertically. The Demon Deacons have registered 21 sacks, including 5.5 from Langston Hardy, but they have only five interceptions this season. If SMU can keep Jennings upright, the quarterback could test a secondary that has occasionally surrendered significant yardage.
Kendrick Raphael Faces a Tough Ground Challenge
Running back Kendrick Raphael provides another important piece of the SMU offense. He leads the Mustangs with 755 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, and he has scored in each of his last three games. Raphael has also avoided fumbles throughout the season, giving SMU a reliable option in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
The challenge will be substantial. Wake Forest allows only 85 rushing yards per game, making the Demon Deacons one of the strongest run defenses in the conference. Raphael’s 104-yard performance against California on Oct. 24 shows what he can do when he finds space, but SMU may need an efficient running game to keep the pass rush from overwhelming Jennings.
Why This Wake Forest Football Game Matters
The ACC standings make this more than a regular-season meeting. Wake Forest and SMU are both chasing Miami, and a victory could provide valuable momentum heading into the final stretch of conference play. The winner will strengthen its position in the league race, while the loser could face a difficult path toward the ACC title game and playoff consideration.
For Wake Forest, the formula is familiar: continue the defensive surge, protect the football and create chances for Hernandez through the air. For SMU, success may depend on Jennings’ accuracy, Raphael’s ability to stay productive and the offensive line’s performance against a disruptive Demon Deacons front.
As reported by FOX Sports, kickoff is scheduled for noon ET on ESPN. With two strong conference contenders meeting in Dallas, this game has the ingredients for a decisive and closely watched ACC showdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Wake Forest vs. SMU game?
Wake Forest visits SMU on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET.
Where will Wake Forest play SMU?
The game will be held at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas, SMU’s home venue.
How can fans watch Wake Forest vs. SMU?
The matchup will be televised on ESPN and available through ESPN’s streaming platform.
Who are the key players to watch?
Wake Forest wide receiver Carlos Hernandez, SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings and SMU running back Kendrick Raphael are among the leading players to watch.
Why is the game important?
Wake Forest and SMU are positioned near the top of the ACC standings and are chasing first-place Miami. The result could influence the conference title race and playoff conversation.
