Wake Forest vs Louisville head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 4, Saturday, September 26, 2026.
The Breakdown
Louisville's 66 composite tops Wake Forest's 59, driven by a 4★ quarterback and 3.5★ secondary.
When Wake Forest has the ball: 3★ receivers, averaging 3.3 years, draw Louisville's 3.5★ defensive backs — the Cardinals hold the edge.
When Louisville has the ball: The 3.2★ O-line outmans Wake Forest's 2.5★ D-line; 3.3★ receivers versus 3★ DBs is even.
Swing factor: Lincoln Kienholz, 4★ and three years in, outranks 3★ transfer Gio Lopez. Same experience, better pedigree.
X-factor: Late-September Saturday in Louisville, where the Cardinals start 14 of 22 portal additions.