SMU at Wake Forest Picks and Prediction, Saturday, October 25, 2025

By: Liam Keating Published 10/23/2025, 06:15 PM ET
SMU Mustangs vs Wake Forest prediction
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It’s another big ACC game on Saturday, Oct. 25. Read our SMU vs Wake Forest prediction along with our other NCAAF Betting Picks! SMU is 5-2 overall with a 3-0 conference record. The Mustangs are one of three undefeated conference teams in the league. Wake Forest is 4-2 overall with a 1-2 ACC record. They are coming off back-to-back wins against Virginia Tech and Oregon State. These two teams will meet with kick-off set for 12 P.M. EST.

SMU undefeated in conference play

SMU is 5-2 overall this season. They are also 3-0 in conference play. The Mustangs have lost games to in-state rivals Baylor in double OT and by 11 points to TCU. Since the loss to TCU, SMU has won three straight games, coming into this matchup against Wake Forest.

In their last game, SMU defeated Clemson 35-24 on the road on Saturday, Oct. 18. The Mustangs never trailed and they had an answer for every Clemson score. Each time the Tigers clawed their way into the game, SMU’s offense would come to play, scoring in clutch moments.

Quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 290 yards on 23-for-43 passing, along with two touchdowns and one pick. The rushing attack was led by Chris Johnson Jr. with his 59 yards and a score. Jordan Hudson continues to be a threat at the wide-out position. He caught seven passes for 131 yards and a score.

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This year, Jennings has thrown for 1,948 yards and has completed 69% of his passes. He’s thrown 17 touchdowns and seven picks during the year. TJ Harden leads the running back room, but he’s been held to 40 yards or less in back-to-back games with Johnson providing better touches. Romello Brinson has a team-high 502 yards on 34 catches and three touchdowns.

On defense, SMU is led in tackles by Isaiah Nwokobia with 53 overall. Jeffrey M’ba and Cameron Robertson have a team-high five sacks each on the year, too. The defense has also forced 15 turnovers.

“What they’re doing is really good. They’re really good on defense. They’re one of the best in the country against the pass,” SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee described Wake Forest’s defense.

SMU is averaging 34.1 points per game, which ranks 36th in the league. They are passing for 279.6 passing yards per game which ranks 25th in the nation. The Mustangs are the 99th-ranked rushing attack, averaging 128.7 yards per game.

On defense, SMU is allowing 22.6 points per game, which ranks 53rd in the country. They are the 17th-ranked rushing defense, giving up 87 yards per game on the ground. The Mustangs are giving up 316 passing yards per game, ranking them 136th.

SMU is 2-5 against the spread this season. They have covered in back-to-back games against Stanford and Clemson. The Mustangs are 1-4 against the spread when they have been favored. They are also 1-2 against the spread when playing on the road. The under is 5-2 when SMU has played this season. The under is 2-1 when SMU has played on the road. The under is 4-1 when SMU has been favored.

Wake Forest winners of back-to-back games

Wake Forest is 4-2 overall. They have a 1-2 record in the ACC with losses to NC State and No. 16 Georgia Tech with both games coming at home. The Demon Deacons followed the two home losses with back-to-back road wins over Virginia Tech and Oregon State. Wake Forest is fresh coming off of their bye week.

In their last game, Wake Forest defeated Oregon State 39-14 on Saturday, Oct. 11. Wake Forest went ahead 32-0 before Oregon State’s first points in the fourth quarter. It was a rather easy win for the team as quarterback Deshawn Purdie threw for 270 yards on 14-for-27 passing. He tossed four touchdowns in the game. Running back Demond Claiborne had a big game with 144 yards rushing on 16 attempts and a score.

Starting quarterback Robby Ashford missed Wake Forest’s last game, but he is listed as probable for this week after a thumb injury. Ashford has thrown for 1,172 yards and has completed 60% of his throws. He’s thrown two touchdowns and four picks on the year.

The main offensive threat for the Demon Deacons is Claiborne. He’s rushed for 539 yards and eight touchdowns as he’s picking up 7.8 yards per carry.

On defense, Wake Forest is led in tackles with 50. Langston Hardy has secured a total 4.5 sacks on the year, with the team picking up 13 total. The defense has forced just six turnovers on the year, too.

“Our guys have been working their tail off the last week, and they’re going to take another step forward,” Wake Forest head coach Jake Dickert said.

Wake Forest is averaging 29 points per game, which ranks 69th in the nation. They are the 53rd-ranked passing offense, averaging 249.7 yards per game. The Demon Deacons are averaging 160.2 rushing yards per game, placing them 63rd.

On defense, Wake Forest is allowing 20 points per game, ranking them 33rd. They are the 27th-ranked passing defense, giving up 181.3 yards per game. They also rank 62nd in rushing defense, giving up 141 yards per game on the ground.

Wake Forest is 4-2 against the spread this season. They are 2-2 against the spread when they have played at home. The Demon Deacons are 2-1 against the spread when they have been underdogs. The over is 4-2 when Wake Forest has played this season. The total is 2-2 when Wake Forest has played at home. The over is 3-0 when Wake Forest has been an underdog.

SMU Mustangs vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Picks

SMU vs Wake Forest Spread Pick

  • SMU Mustangs -3 (5 Units) 

SMU’s offense has only improved as the season has marched forward. Kevin Jennings continues to be a top-tier quarterback in the ACC and and they are averaging the 36th most points in the country. The Mustangs have won three straight games and they have eyes on reaching the conference championship.

Wake Forest has struggled at home and has lost back-to-back games on their own field. The defense is carrying the team as they are the 33rd best scoring defense, while they rank 27th in pass defense. The Demon Deacons' rushing attack is how they can do damage. SMU should be up to the challenge when defending the run. They are giving up just 87 yards per game on the ground and which ranks 17th in the nation.

Take SMU to cover.

SMU vs Wake Forest Over/Under Pick

  • Under 53.5 (5 units)

Wake Forest’s offense is averaging 29 points per game, but they won’t reach that mark. The Demon Deacons will meet an SMU defense that gives up just 22 points per game. Wake Forest’s defense is also elite, allowing 20 points per game. This should be a low scoring game between the two ACC foes. The under is 2-1 when SMU has played on the road. The under is also 4-1 when SMU has been favored.

Take the under on Saturday. 

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