Duke's offense, which led the ACC in scoring last season, must adjust to new starting QB Walker Eget (San José State transfer) after losing Darian Mensah to Miami. Eget's 59% completion rate and 17 TDs vs 9 INTs last year are solid but below Mensah's production. The offensive line returns two starters and adds Coastal Carolina All-Sun Belt transfer Nick Del Grande at left tackle, but the unit's cohesion will be tested early against Tulane.

Duke's defense ranked 14th in scoring (29.4 ppg) and 15th in total defense (424.2 ypg) in the ACC last season. With many new starters—including transfers at cornerback (Dylan Flowers), safety (Evan Smith, Patrick Smith-Young) and linebacker Nick Morris Jr. returning from ACL injury—the unit faces a steep learning curve. Tulane's offense could exploit early communication gaps.

Sophomore RB Nate Sheppard (1,132 yards, 11 TDs last season) returns as Duke's most proven playmaker. With a new QB and revamped O-line, Sheppard's ability to carry the rushing load and provide a safety valve in the passing game will be critical to controlling tempo and keeping Tulane's defense honest.

Duke opens at home with a venue HFA of 2.9 and clear, cool conditions (58°F, light wind). This neutralizes any weather-related disruption and gives the Blue Devils a comfort edge, especially for a team integrating many new starters. The home crowd should help the defense communicate more effectively.

Duke returns one of the ACC's top punters (Kade Reynoldson, 44.6 avg) and has explosive return options in Sheppard and Jayden Moore. New kicker Cosme Salas has a strong leg but unproven accuracy. In a potentially tight opener, field position and kicking game reliability could swing momentum.

Gio Lopez reunites with offensive coordinator Rob Ezell, under whom he produced over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2024. If Lopez recaptures that form, Wake Forest's offense could be explosive, but his erratic play at North Carolina last season remains a concern. The supporting cast features a rebuilt receiving corps with speed and potential, though the offensive line is still being finalized.

Wake Forest's defense returns both starting ends (Gabe Kirschke and Langston Hardy) who combined for 12 sacks and 26 tackles for loss, plus experienced tackles and linebackers. The secondary has a budding star at nickel (Davaughn Patterson) and safety Rushaun Tongue back from injury. This unit was the strength of last year's team and should be able to control the game against an Akron offense that is unproven.

Wake Forest opens at home with a venue HFA of 2.3, and the forecast calls for clear skies at 57°F with light wind. These conditions favor the Deacons' passing attack and should allow their defense to operate without weather-related disruptions. Akron will have to travel and adjust to the environment.

Kicker Connor Calvert was excellent last season (18-of-22 field goals, including a walk-off winner), providing reliable scoring. Punting was a weakness, but Australian Ethan Hyams takes over. Wake Forest was dynamic in the return game and has multiple options, which could provide short fields against an Akron team that may struggle to contain explosive plays.

Akron enters with a 0-0 record and no power rating, making them a largely unknown opponent. Wake Forest has depth and experience across the roster, particularly on defense, and should be able to grind out a win if the offense is inconsistent. The Deacons' ability to rely on their defense and special teams gives them a clear edge in a season opener where both teams are still finding their identity.