Pizzella Leads Wake Forest Past Merrimack

Wake Forest led Merrimack 49-0 at halftime behind a strong debut from quarterback Steele Pizzella.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football

Pizzella Leads Wake Forest Past Merrimack

Steele Pizzella made his first career start for Wake Forest and threw for 432 passing yards while rushing for 63 more. Wake Forest led Merrimack 49-0 at halftime.

Why it matters

The lopsided start gives Wake Forest's offense a strong early showing from a first-time starter at quarterback. It also gives Winston-Salem football fans a clear look at a new quarterback option for the rest of the season.

Pizzella's 432 passing yards and 63 rushing yards in his first career start stand out in a 49-0 halftime margin over Merrimack. The extraction does not include second-half totals or the final score.

The players

Steele Pizzella

Steele Pizzella is a Wake Forest quarterback who made his first career start in this game.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Wake Forest is the NCAA Division I football program of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The details

Pizzella threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Carlos Hernandez, his first passing touchdown, and later connected with Kam Shanks on a 30-yard score. Ty Clark III, Jamar Searcy and Drayden Dickmann also scored on the ground, while Rushaun Tongue intercepted a pass.

November 7, 2026: Wake Forest led Merrimack 49-0 at halftime.

Season Trajectory

Pizzella's debut starts a new chapter in Wake Forest's quarterback depth chart and offensive plan. A first-time starter posting these numbers in a lopsided win can shift how the program's offense is viewed for the rest of the season.

Pizzella's 432 passing yards and 63 rushing yards give fantasy managers and Wake Forest fans a concrete performance to track in future weeks. The rushing total also shows he can contribute as a runner, not just as a passer.

The takeaway

A first-start quarterback posting 432 passing yards and 63 rushing yards shows how much a single game can change a team's offensive outlook. Readers following Wake Forest should watch whether Pizzella keeps that production in the games ahead.