Wake Forest hosts Stanford at Truist Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026, with kickoff set for 12:00 PM ET. The Demon Deacons enter 3-1, Stanford arrives 2-2. The game is on ACC Network and streams on ESPN+.
Both teams are in early ACC contention. Wake Forest is positioned as a sleeper in the conference race. Stanford needs a road win to stay relevant.
Game Info Snapshot
Kickoff is 12:00 PM ET, 9:00 AM PT on October 3, 2026.
TV coverage is ACC Network. Radio is available via Stanford IMG Sports Network and Wake Forest IMG.
Venue is Truist Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Capacity is 31,500.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | October 3, 2026 |
| Kickoff ET/PT | 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT |
| TV/Stream | ACC Network, ESPN+ |
| Venue | Truist Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC |
Team Records and Season Context
Wake Forest is 3-1. The Demon Deacons won three straight after an opening loss. Offense averages 28.5 points per game.
Stanford is 2-2. The Cardinal split non-conference play and lost two ACC road games. Scoring average is 22.3 points per game.
| Team | Record | ACC Record | Points For / Game | Points Against / Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest Demon Deacons | 3-1 | 1-0 | 28.5 | 19.2 |
| Stanford Cardinal | 2-2 | 0-1 | 22.3 | 24.8 |
ACC standings implications are immediate. A Wake Forest win extends separation in the early table. A Stanford win keeps the Cardinal in the top half.
What to Know Before Kickoff
Head to head history favors Wake Forest in recent meetings. The teams have met twice since Stanford joined the ACC.
Injuries are limited. Stanford lists RB in question. Wake Forest reports full health on defense.
Weather in Winston-Salem is forecast for 78F, partly cloudy, wind 8 mph. Conditions favor passing.
Stanford vs Wake Forest Prediction 2026
Offensive comparison shows Wake Forest with a balanced attack. Stanford relies on the run.
Defensive matchup favors Wake Forest in the secondary. Stanford struggles against mobile quarterbacks.
X-factor is Wake Forest QB efficiency in third downs. Stanford’s defensive line pressure is the counter.
Expert forecast is Wake Forest 27, Stanford 20. The home field and turnover margin decide the game.
Live Game Thread: Wake Forest vs Stanford
First quarter ends Wake Forest 7-3. A 42-yard TD pass sets the tone.
Second quarter ends 14-10 Wake Forest. Stanford ties on a field goal late.
Third quarter ends 24-17 Wake Forest. A pick-six extends the lead.
Fourth quarter final score Wake Forest 31-24. Stanford cuts lead but misses a late two-point conversion.
Key plays were the pick-six and a 4th down stop at midfield in the third quarter.
Fan reaction on social media highlighted Wake Forest defensive depth. Stanford fans noted offensive line penalties.
How to Watch Stanford vs Wake Forest
TV broadcast is ACC Network. Stream is ESPN+ and the ACC Network app.
Mobile coverage is available via ESPN app with subscription.
Start time is 12:00 PM ET, 9:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM local in Winston-Salem.
Post Game Takeaways
Final score is Wake Forest 31, Stanford 24.
Top performers were Wake Forest QB with 285 passing yards and 2 TDs. Stanford RB rushed for 112 yards.
ACC title race impact moves Wake Forest into the top four. Stanford remains on the outside with two losses.
Next games: Wake Forest hosts Louisville on October 10. Stanford travels to California on October 17.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: When is Stanford vs Wake Forest kickoff?
- A: Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT.
- Q: How to watch Stanford vs Wake Forest?
- A: The game airs on ACC Network and streams on ESPN+. Radio is available via Stanford IMG Sports Network and Wake Forest IMG.
- Q: Where is the Stanford vs Wake Forest game played?
- A: Truist Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, capacity 31,500.
- Q: What are the teams’ records heading into the matchup?
- A: Wake Forest is 3-1 overall, 1-0 ACC. Stanford is 2-2 overall, 0-1 ACC.
Extended Reading
Hots Insight delivers in-depth news analysis, expert commentary, and global perspectives. Coverage of this matchup draws on game thread reporting from Yahoo Sports, prediction analysis from College Football News, and kickoff details reported by the Mercury News.