The Akron Zips and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons meet in week 1 college football action from Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium on Thursday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Akron Zips vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons Prediction.
Akron Zips Team Preview
The Akron Zips come into the 2026 season looking to build and take another step forward after going 5-7 in 2025, including a 4-4 mark in MAC conference play, the Zips’ best record in conference play in a long time. The Zips will have to make a decision at QB between Brayden Roggow and Reese Poffenbarger, with the latter making stops at North Texas, Miami and Albany. Jordan Gant is back for the Zips after hitting the 1,000 yard mark and this is one of the more experienced receiving groups in the MAC. On defense, Akron’s lost their top 8 tacklers from last year, but do return the majority of their secondary and bring back edge rusher Cyrus Durham. Only time will tell if Akron can zip their way to bowl season in another step under Joe Moorhead.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Recap
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons come into the 2026 campaign looking to replicate 2025’s success where the Demon Deacons went 9-4 including a 43-29 win over Mississippi State in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Gio Lopez transfers in after making stops at South Alabama and growing at North Carolina last year to take over QB1 duties from Robby Ashford. Ty Clark will be flanked by Sawyer Seidi and KD Daniels in the backfield to try to make up for the loss of Demond Claiborne. Carlos Hernandez is back as Wake’s top receiver after logging 40 grabs for 611 yards and 3 TDs last season but there’s a lot of transfers that have to be worked in. On defense, Langston Hardy and Gabe Krischke will lead the defensive front along with Dallas Afalava and Zach Lohavichan in addition to LSU transfer Sydir Mitchell. The Wake defense maintains with their linebacker room and secondary, making this Wake defense one to watch in the ACC in 2026.
Akron Zips @ Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Trends: Week 1
Why the Wake Forest Demon Deacons will win
- Akron has lost each of its last 17 road games against non-conference opponents.
- Wake Forest has won each of its last six games against non-conference opponents.
- Wake Forest has covered the spread in each of its last four home games.
- Akron has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six road games in September.
- Akron has lost the first half in 23 of its last 24 September games as an underdog.
- Wake Forest has won the first quarter in each of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
Why the Akron Zips will win
- The underdog has won four of Akron’s last five games.
- Wake Forest has lost six of its last seven games in September.
- Wake Forest has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven home openers as a favorite.
- The underdog has covered the spread in four of Akron’s last five games.
- Wake Forest has lost the first half in three of its last four September games as a favorite.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Wake Forest’s last four games have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of Akron’s last four games as a road underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Player Prop Facts
- Gio Lopez has thrown zero interceptions in five consecutive games – equal-longest streak in the FBS.
Akron Zips Player Prop Facts
- Brandon Hills ranked 2nd amongst FBS players for kick return yards (663) last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Wake Forest ranked 128th among FBS teams for Q4 points per game last season (4.3).
- Wake Forest ranked 11th among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game last season (4.5).
- Akron ranked 131st among FBS teams for 3rd down conversion percentage last season (30.8).
- Akron ranked 9th among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage against last season (36.8).
Akron Zips vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons Prediction
I’m leaning towards the under here. Akron’s offense should have some issues against the Wake Forest defense, but I also think that Wake’s not blowing anyone away offensively out of the gate in their own right. I think this is a battle of experience and while Wake likely wins and possibly covers, I think it’s a low-scoring one so I’ll back the under.