Villanova Football to Join Patriot League in 2026

The wave of conference realignment in Division I sports has officially trickled down to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level of college football, with Villanova Football set to join the Patriot League as an associate member in 2026.

The Wildcats will compete in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) during the 2025 season, as they have since 2007. The conference move doesn’t apply to any of their other sports programs. Other conferences have picked the CAA apart in recent seasons, with William & Mary and Richmond — both longtime Wildcats’ rivals — also set to join the Patriot League as associate members.

Beyond those two, conference opponents for Villanova Football will include Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, Lafayette and Lehigh as well as Fordham and Georgetown, making for a nine game conference schedule where teams play each of their opponents.

The Wildcats will face Colgate in their September season opener, giving the out of conference matchup an added layer of intrigue.

Villanova Leadership Issues Statement

In an official press release, Villanova University leadership like president Peter M. Donohue, Athletic Director Eric Roedl and head coach Mark Ferrante highlighted the Patriot League’s history of athletic and academic success as one of their reasons for joining.

“Villanova looks forward to joining the Patriot League next season as an associate member, aligning with institutions that uphold an unwavering commitment to academic and athletic distinction and the holistic development of student-athletes,” Donohue. “This league embodies the finest principles of collegiate athletics, where achievement on the field is matched by excellence in the classroom. We are proud to align with such esteemed institutions, forging a new chapter for Villanova Football.”

“We are excited to join a conference where the member institutions share similar values, both athletically and academically,” Ferrante said. “The geographic alignment makes sense for our program and our student-athletes, and we believe this move will foster strong regional rivalries while maintaining our commitment to excellence on and off the field. It’s a natural fit that positions us well for the future.”