Overview

• On June 5, Villanova announced that its football program will exit the Colonial Athletic Association after 18 seasons and begin Patriot League play in 2026.
• Villanova’s addition will expand the Patriot League to 10 football members, joining charter schools Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, Lafayette and Lehigh and associate members Fordham, Georgetown, Richmond and William & Mary.
• The Wildcats cited a shared emphasis on academic rigor and athletic excellence, building on three 10-win seasons and multiple FCS playoff appearances in the last four years.
• Coach Mark Ferrante highlighted that the Patriot League’s geography will limit average road trips to roughly 175 miles and eliminate any league flights.
• CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio expressed disappointment over the loss but affirmed the conference’s resolve to maintain high-level FCS competition after its membership falls to 12 teams.