### Villanova Football to Join Patriot League as Associate Member in 2026

Villanova University's nationally-ranked Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program has officially accepted an invitation to join the Patriot League as an associate member, starting in the 2026 season. This move aligns Villanova with institutions that emphasize a strong commitment to both academic and athletic excellence, according to University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD.

“Villanova looks forward to joining the Patriot League, which embodies the finest principles of collegiate athletics, where achievement on the field is matched by excellence in the classroom,” said Donohue. “We are proud to align with such esteemed institutions, forging a new chapter for Villanova Football.”

Athletic Director Mark Jackson expressed similar enthusiasm about the transition. “We have great respect for the institutions that make up this competitive FCS conference and share in their strong academic missions,” said Jackson. “The geographic footprint of the Patriot League is a perfect fit for Villanova."

Villanova will continue to face familiar opponents, maintaining rivalries with Richmond and William & Mary, both of which joined the conference as associate members in football within the past 13 months. The Wildcats have also played six of the seven existing Patriot League football members at least once in the past decade.

“The addition of Villanova as our 10th football member represents a significant and exciting moment for the Patriot League,” stated Patriot League Commissioner Jennifer Heppel. “Villanova has consistently demonstrated excellence on the field while upholding a strong commitment to academic achievement.”

The geographic alignment within the Patriot League seems advantageous for Villanova, with an average road trip distance of 175 miles and no air travel required for away games. Lafayette and Lehigh, potential road opponents, are located within 50 miles of Villanova’s campus.

Villanova’s head football coach emphasized the value of joining a conference where member institutions share similar values both athletically and academically. “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.”

Villanova will join a distinguished list of Patriot League members, including charter members Bucknell University, Colgate University, The College of the Holy Cross, Lafayette College, and Lehigh University. The league also includes associate members Fordham University, Georgetown University, University of Richmond, and William & Mary. This expansion will bring the league to a 10-team conference, further solidifying its standing as one of the strongest in the FCS.

The transition marks another milestone for Villanova, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary as an FCS member in 2025. Over the years, the Wildcats have reached the FCS playoffs 16 times and won their first national championship in 2009. The program boasts an average NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 90 percent over the last decade.

The Patriot League, established in 1986, continues to prioritize both athletic and academic achievements. According to data released by the NCAA, its football programs achieved the highest Graduation Success Rate (GSR) and Federal Graduation Rate (FGR) among all NCAA DI FCS conferences.

As Villanova concludes its final seasons in its current conference, anticipation builds for a new era of excellence within the Patriot League.