COTTON BOWL The Miami Hurricanes continue to be one of college football’s most frustrating programs
Wake Forest’s Biggest Test Arrives Under the Lights
After last week’s overtime thriller at Purdue, Wake Forest returns home with momentum and a chance to make a national statement. Head Coach Jake Dickert’s team faces its toughest challenge yet: hosting the No. 5 Miami Hurricanes in a Friday night showcase on ESPN.
Quarterback Gio Lopez delivered one of the program’s most memorable finishes in years, dancing into the end zone for a two‑point conversion that sealed the win in West Lafayette. Now he faces his first ranked opponent since his North Carolina days, when he threw for 208 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions against No. 16 Virginia.
Miami arrives with elite talent, national expectations and a series history that leans heavily in its favor. The Hurricanes lead the all‑time matchup 9‑3 and dominated the last meeting in 2024, winning 42‑14 after a second‑half surge in Miami Gardens.
Game Details
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026 Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET Location: Allegacy Financial Stadium, Winston‑Salem, N.C. Television: ESPN — Mike Monaco, Jordan Rodgers, Dana Boyle Radio: Wake Forest Radio Network — Stan Cotten, Lary Sorensen, Dave Goren Local: WBRF‑FM 98.1 | WPOL 1340 AM / 103.5 FM SiriusXM: 382 Web: GoDeacs.com
Rewinding the Tape: Lessons From 2024
Wake Forest’s last meeting with Miami was a tale of two halves. The Demon Deacons hung tough early, but the Hurricanes exploded in the fourth quarter, outscoring Wake Forest 22‑0 and shutting down the offense entirely.
One bright spot was Demond Claiborne, now with the Minnesota Vikings. His 100‑yard kickoff return — reaching a blazing 22.6 mph — remains one of the most electrifying plays in recent program history.
Miami’s offense was equally electric. Cam Ward, now an NFL first‑round pick, threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns, pushing Miami to a 10‑1 record and cementing its status as a national contender. Ward previously played under Dickert at Washington State, adding another layer of familiarity to this matchup.
What’s at Stake Friday Night
Wake Forest hasn’t beaten Miami since 1944. Dickert’s team enters with confidence, discipline and a quarterback who has already shown poise in pressure moments. Miami brings top‑five talent, depth and a history of closing games with force.
For Wake Forest, this is more than a ranked matchup — it’s a chance to rewrite the narrative, defend home turf and prove that last week’s heroics were the start of something bigger.
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