Purdue’s first major test of the 2026 season is almost here, and the oddsmakers are giving the Boilermakers a familiar role: the underdog.
According to the current FanDuel odds, Wake Forest is a 2.5-point favorite heading into Saturday’s matchup at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Demon Deacons are listed at -154 on the moneyline, while Purdue sits at +128. The over/under is set at 50.5 points.
Those numbers suggest FanDuel expects a competitive game, but one in which Wake Forest has a slight advantage. That is a much different outlook than simply expecting the Demon Deacons to run away with it, as many would believe.
A Close Game on Paper
Both teams enter the matchup 1-0. Purdue opened the season with a 44-19 victory over Indiana State, while Wake Forest defeated Akron 38-16. Neither result came against a Power Four opponent, but both teams showed enough offensively to make this an intriguing early-season matchup.
The opening line was actually a little more favorable to Wake Forest. Earlier in the week, FanDuel had the Demon Deacons as 4.5-point favorites with a -194 moneyline, while Purdue was +160 to win outright. The current line has moved closer to Purdue, suggesting the market sees a tighter contest than it initially did.
That movement is worth watching, especially with Purdue playing at home again and the Boilermakers looking for an early-season statement win against a Power Four opponent.
The Quarterback Matchup
One of the most interesting storylines is the quarterback matchup between Purdue’s Ryan Browne and Wake Forest’s Gio Lopez.
Browne had an impressive debut against Indiana State, completing 23 of 29 passes for 317 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Lopez was similarly productive for Wake Forest, throwing for 350 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover.
Both quarterbacks showed the ability to move the ball through the air, which could make this a game where one or two explosive plays determine the outcome.
Why Purdue Can Win
The Boilermakers have a legitimate chance to pull off the upset. They have home-field advantage, an offense that showed plenty of explosiveness in Week 1, a quarterback who looked comfortable in his first start, and the X-Factor in my opinion, Fame Ijeboi.
Purdue also has a chance to make a statement. A win over Wake Forest would give the Boilermakers a 2-0 start and provide an early indication that this team may be capable of competing in meaningful games this season.
The biggest question is whether Purdue can slow down Wake Forest’s offense enough to keep the game within reach. If the Boilermakers can force a few stops and avoid turnovers, this could come down to the final possession.
My Take
FanDuel may have Wake Forest favored, but I believe that Purdue has a real shot to win this game outright. The home crowd should make a difference, and the Boilermakers have enough offensive talent to keep pace with the Demon Deacons.
I’m taking Purdue to win a close one.
Prediction: Purdue 31, Wake Forest 27.
The odds may favor Wake Forest, but this feels like the kind of game where Purdue can change the conversation around its season.
