Villanova Football Adds TE/DE Commit Drake Dawson

Villanova Football earned the commitment of 2026 defensive end/tight end Drake Dawson, per a Monday, Feb. 23 announcement from Dawson’s social media accounts. He’s a 6-foot-2, 235 pound prospect who played on both sides of the ball as a senior at Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School (Mechanicsburg, Pa.), racking up 27 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and 65 total tackles.

He added 20 pancake blocks, showing his ability to check all the boxes at tight end, along with 40 carries for 350 yards and eight receptions for 110 yards. Dawson tagged Villanova defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Ross Pennypacker in his announcement, likely indicating he’ll play on that side of the ball. Athletic defensive linemen play a critical role in the Wildcats’ 3-3-5 scheme; Dawson might need a developmental year to acclimate to the rigors of Division I football, but he could step into major playing time as his career continues.

Dawson’s addition leaves Villanova with 14 spots to fill on their 95-man roster heading into the 2026 season, whether through high school recruiting or the transfer portal.