Akron @ Wake Forest , Week 1, Sep 3, 2026

Reese Poffenbarger was productive at FCS Albany but has been a backup at Miami and North Texas the past two years. He now faces a Wake Forest defense that is a significant jump from the MAC level, and the line has Akron as a heavy underdog. The market expects the Zips to struggle to score, and the total is set low, reflecting skepticism about Akron's ability to move the ball against a Power 4 opponent.

The Zips were ninth in the MAC in scoring defense last season and lost production up front. The defensive line returns the Frazier twins and Cyrus Durham, but the unit is thin and untested against a Power 4 offensive line. Wake Forest's rushing attack, even if not elite, should find success, especially with Akron's secondary being the strength of the defense, meaning the front seven is the weak link.

Akron travels 348 miles to Wake Forest, a manageable trip with no rest disadvantage. The game is at an outdoor venue with no forecast available, so weather is not a concern. Home-field advantage for Wake Forest is typical, but Akron has played in similar environments before. This situational factor does not significantly tilt the game.

Wake Forest is favored by a large margin, reflecting the gap in power ratings and the fact that Akron is breaking in a new quarterback and has a defense that struggled in the MAC. The market has this as a blowout, and there is no reason to disagree given Akron's preseason outlook and the opponent's Power 4 status.

Quarterback Gio Lopez reunites with offensive coordinator Rob Ezell, under whom he produced over 3,000 yards of offense and 25 touchdowns in 2024 at South Alabama. However, Lopez was erratic in a one-season stint at North Carolina last year, and Wake Forest must replace significant production at wide receiver (only Carlos Hernandez returns) and running back (Demond Claiborne is gone). The offensive line also needs to solidify its top five, making this a high-variance unit.

Kicker Connor Calvert made 18-of-22 field goals as a redshirt freshman, including a walk-off winner against SMU, providing reliability in close games. Punting was a weakness last year, but Australian Ethan Hyams is expected to improve that unit. The return game should remain dynamic with multiple options, giving Wake Forest an edge in field position against Akron.

Wake Forest is heavily favored at home against Akron, reflecting the talent gap and the Deacons' strong defense. However, the offense's reliance on a quarterback who struggled last season and a rebuilt receiving corps and offensive line introduces enough risk that the game might not be as one-sided as the line suggests. If Lopez is sharp, Wake Forest could cover easily, but if he is erratic, Akron could keep it competitive.