# Wake Forest upsets No. 16 Louisville in ACC matchup

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/louisville-and-wake-forest-acc-football-matchup
> Updated: 2026-09-26T14:35:28.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

The No. 16 ranked Louisville Cardinals entered their Atlantic Coast Conference matchup against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons as 12.5-point favorites. Both teams held 2-1 records heading into the contest at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. 

In an upset, Wake Forest defeated Louisville 30-27, marking the Demon Deacons’ first ACC victory of the season and improving their record to 3-1. Key contributions included three field goals from kicker Connor Calvert, a 77-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Gio Lopez to Carlos Hernandez, and two rushing touchdowns from Ty Clark III. Hernandez finished the game with 194 receiving yards.

The game was decided in the final seconds when Wake Forest’s Dallas Afalava blocked a 57-yard field goal attempt by Louisville. While Louisville quarterback Lincoln Kienholz recorded 324 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns, the Cardinals struggled with penalties and defensive lapses. Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm noted that the team’s “lack of discipline and efficiency” cost them the game. 

Additional reports indicate Louisville also struggled with injuries, including the absence of two starting defensive backs. Following the loss, Louisville fell to a 2-2 record and dropped out of the AP Top 25 rankings.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Wake Forest upsets No. 16 Louisville 30-27

Wake Forest upset No. 16 Louisville 30-27 on the road, fueled by Carlos Hernandez's 194 receiving yards and a late field goal block to secure the victory.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wake-forest-upsets-no-16-louisville-30-27

### 2026-09-23: Louisville Cardinals host Wake Forest in ACC matchup

No. 16 Louisville hosts Wake Forest in an ACC matchup. Both teams hold 2-1 records as Wake Forest seeks to protect quarterback Gio Lopez against a highly tested Cardinals defense.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/louisville-cardinals-host-wake-forest-in-acc-matchup

### 2026-09-21: Louisville football favored by 12.5 points against Wake Forest

Louisville football enters as a 12.5-point favorite against Wake Forest following a win over SMU that earned Keyjuan Brown national running back honors.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/louisville-football-favored-by-125-points-against-wake-forest

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Cite as: Wake Forest upsets No. 16 Louisville in ACC matchup. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/louisville-and-wake-forest-acc-football-matchup