Lopez, Wake Forest get off to a fast offensive start in 38-16 win against Akron to open the season

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- , Gio Lopez threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns in his Wake Forest debut, helping the Demon Deacons beat Akron 38-16 in Thursday night's opener. Lopez had completed 17 of 25 passes for 313 yards and all three of his scores by halftime, including hitting Louisville transfer Antonio Meeks deep over the middle for a 72-yard TD. He followed with a quick throw to returnee Carlos Hernandez , who shrugged off a tackle then broke loose up the left sideline for a 78-yard score and a 28-0 second-quarter lead. Lopez struggled last year at North Carolina in NFL coaching great Bill Belichick's messy first college season, but reunited with offensive coordinator Rob Ezell after thriving under him at South Alabama in 2024. “I felt very in control,” Lopez said. “I trust Coach Ezell when he's telling me what the play is or whatever the check is.