Villanova Football Picked to Pace Patriot League in Debut Season

Villanova Football’s next game in Patriot League play — Aug. 28 against William & Mary — will mark its first-ever game in the conference, but that didn’t stop the league’s head coaches from picking the Wildcats to finish first in their preseason poll. The Wildcats narrowly beat out Lehigh for the top spot, accumulating seven of ten first place votes on the way to a total of 79 points; the Mountain Hawks slotted in with 75 points and the other three first place votes.

Villanova and Lehigh met in the second round of the FCS playoffs in 2025, with the Wildcats picking up a 14-7 road upset. Fresh off a trip to the FCS Semifinals, however, the Wildcats likely won’t have the services of graduate quarterback Pat McQuaide at their disposal for a final season.

McQuaide spent a season at the junior college level with Mississippi Gulf Coast, and a host of other athletes have received waivers from the NCAA for eligibility consumed in the lower levels of college athletics. The NCAA denied McQuaide’s initial request, however, and while he still has a chance to appeal that ruling, it seems as if Villanova will need to roll with senior Robert Russo or freshman Nolan DiLucia under center in 2026.

Aiding the Wildcats’ nomination to lead the Patriot League are a flurry of preseason all-conference picks, including running back Ja’briel Mace, receiver Braden Reed and offensive lineman Chris McCullers; defensive lineman Capri Martin and linebacker Omari Bursey made the preliminary all-defensive team, and Mace also earned a spot on the special teams list.