The Miami FL vs Wake Forest matchup delivered an entertaining ACC battle Friday night, with the No. 5 Miami Hurricanes defeating the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 33-20 at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. The result moved Miami to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in ACC play.
The biggest storyline from the Miami vs Wake Forest football game was quarterback Darian Mensah, who opened the night with a record-setting passing streak. Mensah completed his first 24 attempts, setting both Miami and ACC single-game records for consecutive completions.
Darian Mensah Sets Miami and ACC Records
Mensah was nearly flawless during the opening portion of the Miami game. He completed all 20 of his first-half attempts and ultimately connected on 24 consecutive passes to start the contest.
The streak came within two completions of the FBS single-game record of 26, set by East Carolina’s Dominique Davis in 2011.
Mensah finished the Miami vs Wake Forest matchup 30-of-34 passing for 220 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. His touchdown passes went to Josh Moore, Elija Lofton and Malachi Toney.
The quarterback’s production was especially important because the Miami offense struggled significantly after its dominant opening stretch.
Miami Takes Control Early
The Miami Hurricanes football team established control during the first half, building a 24-7 advantage by halftime.
Miami opened the scoring with a 14-play, 92-yard touchdown drive that ended when Mensah found Josh Moore for a 9-yard score. Wake Forest answered with a long drive of its own, with Gio Lopez connecting with tight end Kamrean Johnson for a touchdown.
The Hurricanes then responded with touchdowns on their next two drives. Mensah connected with Lofton for a 21-yard score before Mark Fletcher Jr. added a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
Fletcher finished with 85 rushing yards on 16 carries before leaving the game with an upper-body injury.
Jake Weinberg added a 27-yard field goal before halftime, giving Miami a 17-point advantage.
Wake Forest Stages a Second-Half Comeback
The Wake Forest football team refused to go away after falling behind 31-7.
Mensah threw his third touchdown pass to Malachi Toney early in the second half, but the Miami football offense subsequently stalled. The Hurricanes went without a first down on five consecutive possessions and managed only 26 yards across their final six drives.
Wake Forest took advantage.
Gio Lopez threw touchdown passes to Jack Foley and Carlos Hernandez Wake Forest to bring the Demon Deacons within 31-20. Lopez finished with 29 completions on 46 attempts for 312 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
That passing performance kept Wake Forest in contention despite Miami’s early dominance.
Miami Defense Closes the Door
With its offense struggling, Miami’s defense ultimately secured the win.
The Hurricanes recorded a safety to push the lead to 33-20 with 13:11 remaining. Miami then stopped Wake Forest on downs on two consecutive possessions, including one drive that reached the red zone.
Ethan O’Connor sealed the result with an interception with 2:24 remaining.
The defensive turnaround was particularly important because Miami entered the game without starting cornerbacks Xavier Lucas and OJ Frederique Jr., along with rotational defender Ja’Boree Antoine.
Despite those absences, the Hurricanes recorded three sacks and nine quarterback hurries against Lopez.
Miami Hurricanes Football vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Football Match Player Stats
Some of the key Miami Hurricanes football vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons football match player stats included:
- Darian Mensah: 30-of-34 passing, 220 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
- Malachi Toney: 12 receptions, 114 yards, 1 TD
- Mark Fletcher Jr.: 16 carries, 85 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Gio Lopez: 29-of-46 passing, 312 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
- Miami defense: 3 sacks, 9 quarterback hurries
- Final score: Miami 33, Wake Forest 20
Mensah’s 24 straight completions to begin the game were the headline statistic, while Toney’s 12 catches provided a major contribution in the passing game.
What the Miami vs Wake Forest Result Means
The Miami vs Wake Forest result keeps the Hurricanes unbeaten through three games and gives them a 2-0 start in ACC competition.
For University of Miami football, the victory also showed two different sides of the team. The offense was highly efficient during the first half, but its second-half struggles allowed Wake Forest to mount a comeback.
The defense ultimately provided the plays needed to protect the lead.
For Wake Forest University football, the defeat drops the Demon Deacons to 2-1 overall and 0-1 in ACC play. Lopez’s 312-yard passing performance and three touchdowns gave Wake Forest a chance to recover after the early deficit.
Miami vs Wake Forest Prediction and What’s Next
Any Miami vs Wake Forest prediction made before the game is now replaced by the actual result: Miami won 33-20.
The Hurricanes will now turn their attention to their next matchup against Central Michigan on Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. ET. Wake Forest will look to respond after suffering its first loss of the season.
For fans following college football tonight, the Miami-Wake Forest matchup offered a notable quarterback storyline, a comeback attempt and a strong defensive finish.
The final Miami score was 33, while Wake Forest finished with 20. The result gives Miami another ACC victory and keeps the Hurricanes unbeaten early in the 2026 season.
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