Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest's Vincent Firenze Named ACC Linebacker of the Week
9/8/2026 1:59:00 PM | Football
The redshirt junior made his Demon Deacon debut in a Week 1 victory over Akron, finishing tied for a team-high nine tackles.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Wake Forest redshirt junior Vincent Firenze has been named Week 1 ACC Linebacker of the Week, the league office announced on Tuesday.
In his Demon Deacon debut in a 38-16 victory over Akron, Firenze paced Wake Forest's defense with six solo tackles along with a team-tying-high nine total tackles. Additionally, the Syracuse, N.Y., native recorded a tackle for loss and a forced fumble.
According to Pro Football Focus' metrics, Firenze graded out as the fourth-highest rated linebacker in the ACC last week at 85.7 as he made a team-high four stops.
Firenze is in his first season at both Wake Forest and linebacker, as he spent his first three collegiate seasons at Dayton as a safety. During the 2025 season, Firenze earned numerous academic and athletic accolades including being named Phil Steele first-team All-PFL.
This is the second player of the week honor for Wake Forest, as redshirt junior quarterback Gio Lopez was named one of the Manning Award Star of the Week.
The Demon Deacons return to action this Saturday, facing Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 12 noon and the matchup will be televised nationally on FS1.
In his Demon Deacon debut in a 38-16 victory over Akron, Firenze paced Wake Forest's defense with six solo tackles along with a team-tying-high nine total tackles. Additionally, the Syracuse, N.Y., native recorded a tackle for loss and a forced fumble.
According to Pro Football Focus' metrics, Firenze graded out as the fourth-highest rated linebacker in the ACC last week at 85.7 as he made a team-high four stops.
Firenze is in his first season at both Wake Forest and linebacker, as he spent his first three collegiate seasons at Dayton as a safety. During the 2025 season, Firenze earned numerous academic and athletic accolades including being named Phil Steele first-team All-PFL.
This is the second player of the week honor for Wake Forest, as redshirt junior quarterback Gio Lopez was named one of the Manning Award Star of the Week.
The Demon Deacons return to action this Saturday, facing Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 12 noon and the matchup will be televised nationally on FS1.
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