Basketball players go on heaters. Well, Wake Forest is on a football-playing heater. SMU was ranked in the top 25 of the Coaches and AP Poll. The CFP did not have them ranked, but they certainly weren’t far off. Rhett Lashlee is a fine football coach, and at home, SMU had never lost an ACC game. The Mustangs have been one of the very best ACC football programs over the last 3 years.
This was a legitimate football team and football program. #13 Wake Forest went to SMU and absolutely lit up SMU in frightening fashion.
The Deacs put on display that if a pollster or CFP Committee member doesn’t put Wake Forest in the top 10 they simply aren’t watching the games.
It was 42-0 at one point, which would have been impressive enough in the 4th quarter, but that was the half. I repeat that… 42-0 was the halftime score.
Wake Forest coach Jake Dickert said this at halftime.
NEW: Wake Forest head coach Jake Dickert on being up 42-0 on SMU at halftime:
“We’re not finished with them yet. We came for 60 minutes and they’ve got nowhere to hide.”
(via @CamLemons_)
— On3 (@On3) November 14, 2026
That’s Steve Spurrier-type stuff in the best possible way. You know we’re good. We know we’re good, and there’s not a thing you can do about.
Wake Forest is executing at a near-flawless level, and when you think they’ve peaked, they play even better.
Right now, on November 14, I’d take Wake Forest over the current Malachi Toneyless Miami Hurricanes. That’s no disrespect to Miami, who are still a top 10 team, but Wake Forest is just playing that well.
Wake Forest finishes the season going to 3-7 Georgia Tech, and Duke. Georgia Tech certainly looksd improved against Clemson Saturday, but there’s really no reason to believe that the Jackets are equipped to beat this version of Wake Forest. Duke at 7-3 will be a test, but you have to love Wake Forest’s chances of getting to 11-1 and playing for an ACC Title.
What else can you say about Wake Forest? If you’re a Wake Forest fan, you are just enjoying the ride of a magical season.
