Villanova Football to join Patriot League in 2026
Written by David Szczepanski on June 5, 2025
VILLANOVA, PA—On Thursday morning, Villanova Football announced its switch from the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) to the Patriot League, effective in 2026.
The Wildcats will join former CAA rivals, William & Mary and Richmond, in the Patriot League. Both institutions joined the conference in the last 13 months.
In addition to Richmond and William & Mary, Villanova will face Lehigh, Holy Cross, Bucknell, Georgetown, Lafayette, Fordham, and Colgate in the Patriot League.
“This is an exciting day for Villanova as we accept an invitation to join the Patriot League as an associate member for football beginning in 2026,” Villanova’s Vice President and Director of Athletics Eric Roedl said. “We have great respect for the institutions that make up a very competitive FCS conference, and we share in their strong academic missions.”
Villanova has been a member of the CAA since 2007. Since then, the Wildcats have won an NCAA Division I Championship in 2009, shared four CAA titles, and made the playoffs in 10 seasons.
The Wildcats held an overall record of 139-76 (.646) as a member of the CAA from 2007 to 2024.
Villanova’s head coach, Mark Ferrante, has led the program since 2017. Ferrante has a head coaching record of 57-33 (.633), including a 36-24 conference record.
“We are excited to join a conference where the member institutions share similar values, both athletically and academically,” Ferrante said. “The geographic alignment makes sense for our program and our student-athletes, and we believe this move will foster strong regional rivalries while maintaining our commitment to excellence on and off the field. It’s a natural fit that positions us well for the future.”
The Wildcats concluded the 2024 season with a 10-4 overall record, including a 6-2 conference record. They lost to Incarnate Word in the second round of the NCAA Division I playoffs. Villanova’s final season in the CAA will kick off against new Patriot League rival, Colgate, on Saturday, September 6 at 6 pm at Villanova Stadium.
