Away Team
Record 5-1
Last 5 4-1 last five
ATS 4-2-0 ATS
Road 3-0 road
Standings
CFB Game Preview
Schedule
Kickoff Countdown
5d 17:33:19
Start Time 3:30 PM EST
Date October 17, 2026
Venue Databricks Field at California Memorial Stadium
Where To Watch ESPN2
Where To Stream Fubo
Season Series California leads 1-0.

Wake Forest brings three straight wins and a 4-2 spread record into Berkeley, while California just upset Virginia Tech behind backup quarterback Jackson Brousseau. The Bears quarterback situation and late kickoff sharpen this ACC matchup.

Home Team
Record 3-3
Last 5 3-2 last five
ATS 2-4-0 ATS
Home 2-2 home
Analysis Updated: 10:36 AM ET
Injuries Checked: 10:36 AM ET
Odds Updated: 4:49 AM ET

Betting Snapshot

Spread
CAL +9.5
Open: CAL +8.5
Market Widening

Spread Movement

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Odds Updated: 10/12 4:49 AM ET
Moneyline
CAL +285
Open: CAL +250
Dog Taking Support

Moneyline Movement

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Odds Updated: 10/12 4:49 AM ET
Total
53.5
Open: 53.5
Total Steady

Total Movement

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Odds Updated: 10/12 4:49 AM ET

Best Free Prop Pick

FREE PROP
Remi's Still Searching
Gio Lopez Over 1.5 passing touchdowns: He threw five touchdowns across his last two starts. Lopez Over 1.5 passing touchdowns attacks a Cal defense facing explosive Wake receiving threats. Lopez Over 1.5 passing touchdowns benefits from Wake’s established passing role and recent scoring pace.

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Odds Comparison Center

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Best Home Spread
Bovada | CAL +10
Best Home Moneyline
BetMGM | CAL +290
Best Over Line
BetOnline.ag | 53
Best Away Spread
FanDuel | WAKE -9.5
Best Away Moneyline
BetMGM | WAKE -350
Best Under Line
FanDuel | 53.5
Updated 4:49 AM ET
Sportsbook Spread Moneyline Total
FanDuelWAKE -9.5
CAL +9.5
WAKE -360
CAL +280
O 53.5
U 53.5
DraftKingsWAKE -9.5
CAL +9.5
WAKE -360
CAL +285
O 53.5
U 53.5
BetMGMWAKE -9.5
CAL +9.5
WAKE -350
CAL +290
O 53.5
U 53.5
BetRiversWAKE -9.5
CAL +9.5
WAKE -385
CAL +285
O 53.5
U 53.5
FanaticsWAKE -9.5
CAL +9.5
WAKE -375
CAL +290
O 53.5
U 53.5
BovadaWAKE -10
CAL +10
WAKE -380
CAL +290
O 53.5
U 53.5
BetOnline.agWAKE -9.5
CAL +9.5
—O 53
U 53
LowVig.agWAKE -9.5
CAL +9.5
—O 53
U 53
MyBookie.agWAKE -10
CAL +10
WAKE -380
CAL +290
O 53
U 53
BetUSWAKE -9.5
CAL +9.5
—O 53
U 53
CaesarsWAKE -9.5
CAL +9.5
WAKE -360
CAL +285
O 53.5
U 53.5

Injury Report

California starting quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele entered concussion protocol after the UNLV game and missed the Virginia Tech contest, when Jackson Brousseau handled the passing duties. Monitor his medical clearance before October 17; an unresolved quarterback switch materially affects Cal’s passing projection. Running back Adam Mohammed was listed doubtful and Caden Vargas out ahead of Virginia Tech. Wake Forest quarterback Gio Lopez played against NC State without a reported game-ending issue.

Key Players

Wake Forest
Gio Lopez
Threw for 303 yards and three touchdowns against NC State on October 10.
California
Jackson Brousseau
Led the offense during California’s 25-20 win over Virginia Tech.

Key Matchup Edge

Wake Forest has the more established passing-game rhythm. Lopez has thrown multiple touchdowns in three of his past four appearances and completed 26 of 33 passes at NC State. California has struggled with offensive continuity while sorting out its starting quarterback, creating a stability edge for the visitors despite a long cross-country trip.

3 Things to Watch

  • Cal quarterback clearance and backup preparation
  • Lopez against the California pass coverage
  • Wake Forest second-half scoring pressure

Betting Breakdown

Wake Forest and California meet Saturday night in Berkeley with sharply different recent trajectories. The Demon Deacons are 5-1 overall, 3-1 in ACC play and riding three straight victories over Louisville, Stanford and NC State. Their 38-14 road win over the Wolfpack featured a 28-0 second-half scoring run and 303 passing yards from Gio Lopez. That form has translated to four straight spread covers. California moved to 3-3 by stunning Virginia Tech 25-20, with Ashten Emory scoring the winning touchdown in the final seconds. The Bears covered as double-digit underdogs, but their season ATS mark stands at 2-4. Quarterback availability is the swing factor. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele entered concussion protocol after UNLV, and Jackson Brousseau started against Virginia Tech. Cal needs consistent protection and controlled possessions to avoid extended defensive exposure. Wake Forest must manage the late Pacific-time start and avoid letting home-field energy erase its offensive edge. California won the teams’ only previous meeting 46-36 in 2024; this rematch tests how much that history matters against a productive Wake passing game.

Wake Forest Betting Outlook

Wake Forest enters Berkeley with three consecutive wins and a perfect 3-0 road record. Gio Lopez went 26-for-33 for 303 passing yards and three passing scores against NC State, while Jack Foley posted eight catches for 156 yards. The Deacons have also covered four straight games, including upset wins at Louisville and a decisive result in Raleigh. Their offensive balance comes from efficient downfield passing, multiple receiving options and second-half adjustments. Bettors should watch whether Lopez is given time to attack California’s secondary, especially if the Bears need to commit extra defenders near the line. A slow start remains the main danger after Wake trailed NC State at halftime.

California Betting Outlook

California returns home at 3-3 after a dramatic 25-20 comeback victory over Virginia Tech. Ashten Emory punched in the winning score with 18 seconds left, and the Bears earned a rare spread cover after falling to 1-4 ATS through five games. The biggest question is at quarterback: Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele entered concussion protocol following the UNLV loss, and Jackson Brousseau directed the offense against Virginia Tech. Cal is 2-2 at home, with losses to UCLA and Clemson offset by wins over Wagner and Virginia Tech. Ball security, protection and efficient early-down rushing will be central against a Wake team capable of explosive second-half scoring runs.

Latest Team Buzz

Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears FAQ

What is the current spread for Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears?

The current home spread is CAL +9.5, while the away spread is WAKE -9.5.

How far has the spread moved for Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears?

The spread opened at CAL +8.5 and is now CAL +9.5.

What is the current moneyline for Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears?

The current moneyline is WAKE -360 / CAL +285.

How far has the moneyline moved for Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears?

The moneyline opened at WAKE -310 / CAL +250 and is now WAKE -360 / CAL +285.

What is the current total for Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears?

The current total is 53.5.

How far has the total moved for Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears?

The total opened at 53.5 and is now 53.5.

Is the market taking the underdog in Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears?

Current market signal: Market Widening.

Is the market taking the favorite in Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears?

Current market signal: Dog Taking Support.

Is the total dropping for Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears?

Current totals signal: Total Steady.

Is the total rising for Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears?

Current totals signal: Total Steady.

Where to watch Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears?

You can watch this game on ESPN2. For the latest broadcast details, see Where to Watch.

Where to stream Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears?

You can stream this game on Fubo.

What is the best free prop bet for Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears?

Remi's Still Searching

What is the biggest matchup edge for Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears?

Wake Forest has the more established passing-game rhythm. Lopez has thrown multiple touchdowns in three of his past four appearances and completed 26 of 33 passes at NC State. California has struggled with offensive continuity while sorting out its starting quarterback, creating a stability edge for the visitors despite a long cross-country trip.

REMI AI PERFORMANCE

CFB Past Picks

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Matchup Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. California Golden Bears
Game Date October 17, 2026
Venue Databricks Field at California Memorial Stadium
RECENT COMPLETED PICKS

AI CFB PAST PICKS

28-23 54.9% WIN
GAME
LEAN
WIN %
UNITS
RESULT
OREGST@COLOST
OREGST -6.5
56.8%
8
WIN
MICHST@WISC
WISC -8
58.2%
8
WIN
UNLV@AKRON
OVER 52.5
56.5%
6
LOSS
OREGST@UTEP
OVER 55.5
56.7%
6
LOSS
GATECH@STNFRD
OVER 47.5
56.9%
6
WIN
TEXAS@TENN
UNDER 55
57.1%
7
WIN
WAGNER@CAL
OVER 65
58.1%
8
LOSS
JMAD@SDGST
UNDER 46.5
57.1%
7
WIN
MISSST@SC
OVER 58.5
58.1%
8
WIN
FRESNO@SJST
OVER 47.5
58.1%
8
LOSS
UL@USC
OVER 59.5
56.9%
6
WIN
MEMP@BOISE
UNDER 56.5
56.9%
6
LOSS
CAL@CUSE
UNDER 57.5
56.9%
6
WIN
RICE@ND
OVER 54.5
57.0%
6
LOSS
RUT@BC
UNDER 54.5
56.9%
6
WIN
WASHST@WASH
OVER 51.5
56.9%
6
LOSS
TOWSON@NAVY
OVER 51
57.4%
7
WIN
FURMAN@TENN
OVER 67.5
57.1%
7
LOSS
MIAOH@PITT
UNDER 47.5
57.2%
7
LOSS
UTEP@OKLA
OVER 51.5
56.9%
6
LOSS
ALBANY@BUFF
ALBANY +18.5
54.1%
4
WIN
ALBANY@BUFF
UNDER 47.5
57.1%
7
WIN
UAB@ILL
KATIN HOUSER OVER 18.5 PASS COMP
54.2%
4
LOSS
HAWAII@STNFRD
HAWAII +4.5
54.8%
4
LOSS
MEMP@UNLV
UNLV -4
53.2%
3
LOSS
SJST@USC
OVER 61.5
57.0%
6
WIN
JAXST@NDAKST
UNDER 46.5
56.8%
6
WIN
NCST@UVA
CJ BAILEY OVER 29.5 PASS ATT
54.2%
4
LOSS
MIAMI@IND
ROMAN HEMBY UNDER 15.5 RUSH ATT
55.2%
5
LOSS
OLEMISS@GEORGIA
KEWAN LACY ANYTIME TD
56.7%
6
WIN
BAMA@IND
FERNANDO MENDOZA UNDER 26.5 PASS ATT
55.2%
5
WIN
OREG@TXTECH
OREG -126
58.9%
6
WIN
NEB@UTAH
DEVON DAMPIER UNDER 185.5 PASS YDS
53.4%
3
LOSS
NOTEX@SDGST
NOTEX -7
54.2%
4
LOSS
BAMA@OKLA
ISAIAH SATEGNA III ANYTIME TD
54.2%
4
WIN
BYU@TTU
PARKER KINGSTON OVER 20.5 LONGEST RECEPTION
54.3%
4
WIN
UNLV@BOISE
BOISE -4.5
56.7%
6
WIN
ECU@FAU
FAU +7
57.8%
7
LOSS
OREG@WASH
WASH +7
54.9%
4
LOSS
WYO@HAWAII
WYO +7.5
55.1%
5
LOSS
COLO@KSTATE
COLO +17.5
54.0%
4
WIN
OHIOST@MICH
MICH +10.5
56.4%
6
LOSS
VATECH@UVA
VATECH +8
57.8%
7
LOSS
NWEST@ILL
LUKE ALTMYER UNDER 19.5 PASS COMP
54.3%
4
WIN
ORE@WAS
DEMOND WILLIAMS JR UNDER 43.5 RUSH YDS
55.2%
5
WIN
MIAMI@VATECH
VATECH +18.5
54.2%
4
WIN
GAST@TROY
TROY -9.5
55.7%
5
WIN
DEL@WAKE
DEL +18
56.7%
6
LOSS
NMEX@AF
NMEX -3.5
56.1%
5
WIN
WASHST@JMAD
WASHST +14.5
55.3%
5
WIN
ILL@WISC
WISC +9
55.1%
5
WIN
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Picks are displayed for informational purposes only.