Wake Forest vs SMU head-to-head: position-by-position star ratings, experience, and composite grades on CFB Matchup. They meet Week 11, Saturday, November 14, 2026.
The Breakdown
#20 SMU's 67 composite beats Wake Forest's 59, driven by a 4.2★ O-line facing a 2.5★ D-line.
When Wake Forest has the ball: The 3★ receivers average 3.3 years against SMU's 3★ secondary at 2.3 — even talent, experience edge outside.
When SMU has the ball: A 4.2★ offensive line overwhelms Wake Forest's 2.5★ D-line; 4★ Kendrick Raphael runs at 3★ linebackers.
Swing factor: Gio Lopez, 3★ and a first-year transfer, faces Kevin Jennings: same 3★, fourth college season.
X-factor: Wake Forest travels into SMU's home crowd for a Week 11 Saturday in November, late-season road spot.