Villanova releases 2026 schedule for its first Patriot League season
Written by David Szczepanski on January 2, 2026
VILLANOVA, PA—On Friday, Villanova announced its 2026 schedule, as a member of the Patriot League for the first time in program history.
The Wildcats competed in the Colonial/Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) for the last 19 seasons and won four CAA Conference Championships in 2009, 2012, 2021, and 2023. They shared the CAA titles in 2009, 2021, and 2023. Villanova also won the National Championship in 2009 as a member of the CAA.
Villanova will open the season against long-time rival William & Mary in conference play on Saturday, August 29, at Villanova Stadium. It will be the first of nine Patriot League games for Villanova in 2026.
The Wildcats’ 2026 non-conference schedule will feature a home game against Morgan State and road contests against LIU and Villanova’s FBS opponent, Louisville. The Wildcats will play the Cardinals on Friday, September 11, at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville. It will be the Wildcats’ first-ever meeting with the Cardinals.
The Wildcats’ remaining home conference schedule in 2026 will include matchups against Colgate, Lehigh, Richmond, and Georgetown. Villanova held a 23-game home winning streak for three years before Illinois State snapped it in the FCS Semifinals on December 20.
Villanova will visit Bucknell, Fordham, Lafayette, and Holy Cross in Patriot League play in 2026.
One of the most anticipated games of the 2026 season will take place on Saturday, October 24, at Villanova Stadium, when Lehigh visits Villanova for a rematch of the 2025 Second Round of the FCS Playoffs.
Villanova is one of three new teams to join the Patriot League from the CAA in the last two seasons. Richmond joined the conference in 2025, while Villanova and William & Mary will become members officially in the 2026 season.
Game times for the 2026 schedule will be released at a later date.
