Villanova Football Roster Preview: All-American Talent at Defensive End

This is one in a series of stories breaking down Villanova Football’s roster ahead of the 2026 season.

Villanova’s 3-3-5 scheme centers on the defensive line: they need to create pressure even while playing down a man up front, and depend on a fast, strong and athletic line to do so.

While they’ve dealt with plenty of turnover on both sides of the ball this offseason, the Wildcats managed to retain most of their talent at defensive end… and it’s hard to imagine a better position group to maintain continuity. Leading the way is senior Capri Martin (6-foot-2, 255 pounds), a preseason All-Patriot League pick who racked up 32 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 2025.

Villanova will also benefit from the return of junior Nigel McSween (6-foot-4, 250 pounds), who played just four games due to injury last season and should give the starting lineup a jolt. While they only have two defensive end spots, the best defenses can rotate in fresh pass rushers without missing a beat.

That’s where players like uber-athletic redshirt sophomore and breakout candidate Ugo Nwotite (6-foot-5, 230 pounds), whose lengthy frame can help him hook around the edge and beat opposing tackles, come in. According to the Wildcats’ roster, redshirt freshman Nate Sullivan (6-foot-4, 245 pounds) and senior Tyler Langin (6-foot-3, 265 pounds), the latter of whom missed 2025 due to injury, will also earn snaps in a reserve role.

Villanova’s defensive end group concludes with true freshmen Drake Dawson (6-foot-2, 250 pounds) and Brody Kuszyk (6-foot-3, 240 pounds). An excellent all-around athlete, Kuszyk played 8-man football in North Carolina’s small-school division and is a player to watch as he continues adding bulk.