Villanova Football Picked to Finish Third in CAA

Villanova Football finished third in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in 2024 on their way to an NCAA Tournament bid that ended in the Second Round. This season, the conference’s head coaches expect the Wildcats to repeat that third place finish.

Villanova received two first place votes, slotting in behind Rhode Island (eight first place votes) and Monmouth (four first place votes). They finished with 139 points, just a hair behind Monmouth’s 142.

As the CAA’s preseason media session takes place, the Wildcats also earned four preseason All-CAA nods: offensive lineman Jake Picard, running back David Avit, linebacker Shane Hartzell and defensive lineman Obinna Nwobodo. Hartzell and Picard also earned preseason All-American nods, while offensive lineman Stephane Voltaire and safety Zahmir Dawud each earned honorable mentions to the All-CAA team.

Villanova will leave the CAA for the Patriot League following the 2025 season, but have a strong chance of making their exit on a high note. They’ll begin their season at home against Colgate on Saturday, Sept. 6.