Wake Forest vs Purdue head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 2, Saturday, September 12, 2026.
The Breakdown
Purdue 61, Wake Forest 59 — a coin flip decided by Purdue's 3.4★ O-line versus a 2.5★ D-line.
When Wake Forest has the ball: The 3.0★ O-line faces Purdue's 3.5★ D-line, with CJ Madden and Elo Modozie at 4★.
When Purdue has the ball: Biggest gap on the field: 3.4★ O-line, Joey Tanona at 4★, against a 2.5★ D-line.
Swing factor: Identical QBs: Gio Lopez and Ryan Browne both 3★, both three years. Purdue starts 13 portal additions.
X-factor: Week 2 Saturday in West Lafayette, Wake Forest traveling north out of the ACC footprint.