Wake Forest vs NC State head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 6, Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The Breakdown
Wake Forest 59, NC State 57 — a coin flip. The Deacs' 3.8-year defensive line is the veteran edge.
When Wake Forest has the ball: Both 3★, but the 3.3-year receiver room faces NC State's 2.3-year secondary — slight experience edge.
When NC State has the ball: The 3.2★ O-line outrates Wake Forest's 2.5★ D-line, but concedes 1.2 years of experience.
Swing factor: Gio Lopez, 3★ portal add with three years, versus CJ Bailey — 3★, two seasons.
X-factor: Week 6 Saturday in Raleigh, NC State defending home field in an in-state ACC scrap.