The Decision Is Made
Wake Forest has officially settled its quarterback battle, and the choice brings immediate experience to the field. Pete Nakos of On3 reported that the Demon Deacons have named Gio Lopez as the starting quarterback for the 2026 season. This isn’t a trial run or a waiting game. The program needs a leader who knows the offense inside and out, and Lopez fits that bill perfectly. He enters the season with a clear edge in game-time reps compared to his competition.
The coaching staff sees a direct path to success with Lopez under center. He spent time with offensive coordinator Rob Ezell at South Alabama, which creates an instant connection. That familiarity matters more than raw potential when the season starts. Wake Forest won’t have to spend weeks teaching the system to a new face. The team moves forward with a veteran who has already proven he can handle the pressure of a starting role.
Why Experience Wins Out
The quarterback competition was tight throughout the spring and fall camps. Lopez faced off against redshirt freshman Steele Pizzella, but the decision ultimately came down to proven track records. Lopez spent 2023 and 2024 at South Alabama before transferring to North Carolina in 2025. There, he secured the starting role, finishing 170 of 261 pass attempts for 1,747 yards, ten touchdowns, and five interceptions. His 4-7 record at North Carolina shows he played in real games, not just practice drills.
During his true freshman season, Steele Pizzella was the third-string quarterback, missing his lone pass attempt before redshirting. Initially pledging to Washington State as a three-star recruit, he later decommitted to join Jake Dickert at Wake Forest. While Pizzella has potential, he lacks the game experience that Lopez brings to the table. Records verify Lopez accumulated 4,781 career yards and 32 TDs, plus 12 rushing TDs. Those numbers don’t lie. He has been there before.
Head coach Jake Dickert has been vocal about the need for the team to clean up technical mistakes. Following Tuesday’s early practice, Dickert told the media, “We’ve come a long way. We’ve got a long way to go.” He noted that the team had a mixed bag during fall camp and that there was stuff on the tape from Thursday’s scrimmage that needed cleaning up. This is the biggest thing he learned from Thursday.
With the Akron game nine days out, the focus shifts to game prep. Dickert noted that the team gets two runs at this, emphasizing the need for improvement. He further remarked that the coaching staff must improve, saying, “I thought even from a coaching standpoint, I thought we were a little sloppy today. We’ve got to pick it up.”
The roster depth remains a concern, but the leadership is set. Dickert praised the defensive unit for being very far along in terms of schemes. He added that the twos and threes had elevated their play in recent days as well. The message to the rest of the team is clear. Dickert told players, “That’s your role right now. That’s your initial role. It’s a vital role on this team. It carries a lot of high value, and those guys have got to execute those roles.” Zero season-ending injuries to this point is ultra-positive coming out of camp, according to Yahoo Sports.
The Road Ahead for the Deacons
Choosing Lopez was the only logical move for a program looking to stabilize. You cannot win consistently with a quarterback who hasn’t thrown a pass in a real game. Lopez brings the rhythm and the knowledge that Pizzella simply doesn’t have yet. The connection with Rob Ezell is a massive advantage that accelerates the learning curve for the entire offense. Wake Forest will not waste time on a steep learning curve in the first few games. They will start with a quarterback who knows the playbook.
However, the margin for error is slim. The team has shown sloppy play in practice, and Dickert has been direct about the need for improvement. The coaching staff must fix the technical pieces on the perimeter immediately. If the protection breaks down or the receivers miss their routes, Lopez will struggle just like anyone else. The defense has looked good, but the offense needs to match that energy. The team must execute the roles assigned to them, or the season will suffer early.
The decision sets a tone of accountability for the rest of the roster. Players who didn’t win their spots must accept their roles and elevate their play. There is no room for emotional distractions. The focus is on the upcoming game against Akron. Lopez has the stats and the experience to lead, but the supporting cast must step up. The Deacons have two shots to get things right before the season opener.
Next Game on the Schedule
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons host the Akron Zips at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium for Week 1 of the regular season next week. This game is scheduled to take place within nine days of the recent practice sessions. The team will use the two Tuesday practices to prepare for the Zips. This is the first real test of the new quarterback decision. The clock is ticking, and the preparation must be perfect.
