Wake Forest Athletics
Trio of Demon Deacons Earn Week 6 ACC Player of the Week Selections
10/12/2026 1:59:00 PM | Football
This is the second time during the 2026 season that Gio Lopez and Vincent Firenze have been named ACC Player of the Week, while this is the first career selection for Jack Foley.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Redshirt junior quarterback Gio Lopez, redshirt freshman wide receiver Jack Foley and redshirt junior linebacker Vincent Firenze were named Week 6 ACC Player of the Week selections for their respective positions, the conference office announced on Monday. This is the second time this season that Lopez and Firenze have earned ACC Player of the Week nods while this is the first career selection for Foley.
This is the third honor for Lopez following his performance in Wake Forest's 38-14 victory over NC State in Week 6 action, as the Madison, Ala., native was also named to the Davey O'Brien Great 8 and was selected as a Manning Award Star of the Week.
Lopez led Wake Forest to its largest road win at NC State in 83 years, as he threw for three touchdown passes along with a rushing score. He was 26-of-33 for 303 yards and three touchdowns to three different receivers while also adding 10 rushing yards and a fourth down touchdown run.
In the second half alone, Lopez was 15-of-16 for 218 yards and two passing touchdowns along with his rushing score. He was one of only two quarterbacks in Week 6 action to record 300-plus passing yards, four total touchdowns and zero interceptions alongside Louisiana Tech's Blake Baker.
Foley, meanwhile, had his best game to date as a Demon Deacon, recording career-highs in receptions (eight) and yards (156) along with a touchdown for the second-straight week.
His 156 receiving yards were 30 more than any other ACC wide receiver in Week 6 action and his 19.5 yards per reception were highest amongst all conference players.
Firenze matched redshirt defensive lineman Langston Hardy for the team lead in total tackles (eight) and solo tackles (four). He immediately made his presence felt on the opening drive of the game, forcing a fumble on NC State quarterback CJ Bailey before the Demon Deacons would recover the ball and score the game's opening touchdown.
The Syracuse, N.Y., native also helped the Demon Deacons hold NC State to just 0.6 yards per rush, as the 0.6 yards per rush were the lowest by any ACC program in a game this season. Additionally, the 0.6 yards per rush was tied for the second-lowest average in a Power 4 matchup this season, trailing only the -0.1 yards per rush by Washington against Iowa.
For his efforts, Firenze was also named to Pro Football Focus' national team of the week, earning the second-highest defensive grade amongst all linebackers at 90.1.
This is the third honor for Lopez following his performance in Wake Forest's 38-14 victory over NC State in Week 6 action, as the Madison, Ala., native was also named to the Davey O'Brien Great 8 and was selected as a Manning Award Star of the Week.
Lopez led Wake Forest to its largest road win at NC State in 83 years, as he threw for three touchdown passes along with a rushing score. He was 26-of-33 for 303 yards and three touchdowns to three different receivers while also adding 10 rushing yards and a fourth down touchdown run.
In the second half alone, Lopez was 15-of-16 for 218 yards and two passing touchdowns along with his rushing score. He was one of only two quarterbacks in Week 6 action to record 300-plus passing yards, four total touchdowns and zero interceptions alongside Louisiana Tech's Blake Baker.
Foley, meanwhile, had his best game to date as a Demon Deacon, recording career-highs in receptions (eight) and yards (156) along with a touchdown for the second-straight week.
His 156 receiving yards were 30 more than any other ACC wide receiver in Week 6 action and his 19.5 yards per reception were highest amongst all conference players.
Firenze matched redshirt defensive lineman Langston Hardy for the team lead in total tackles (eight) and solo tackles (four). He immediately made his presence felt on the opening drive of the game, forcing a fumble on NC State quarterback CJ Bailey before the Demon Deacons would recover the ball and score the game's opening touchdown.
The Syracuse, N.Y., native also helped the Demon Deacons hold NC State to just 0.6 yards per rush, as the 0.6 yards per rush were the lowest by any ACC program in a game this season. Additionally, the 0.6 yards per rush was tied for the second-lowest average in a Power 4 matchup this season, trailing only the -0.1 yards per rush by Washington against Iowa.
For his efforts, Firenze was also named to Pro Football Focus' national team of the week, earning the second-highest defensive grade amongst all linebackers at 90.1.
Players Mentioned
Wednesday, October 07
Wednesday, October 07
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