The Villanova Wildcats checked in at No. 23 in the STATS preseason Top 25. A national panel of sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries select the STATS FCS Top 25.

Villanova returns 10 starters and 29 letterwinners from last year's team that went 6-5 overall and 5-3 in CAA play. Villanova is picked to finish fourth in the conference's preseason predicted order of finish. Senior defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon (Ambler, Pa.) has been named preseason first team All-CAA, in addition to earning STATS second team preseason All-American acclaim. As a junior last season, Kpassagnon led the team with 6.5 sacks to go with 33 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, two blocked kicks, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

The Wildcats are one of six CAA teams to be ranked in the preseason poll. Richmond is ranked fourth, followed by William & Mary at No. 9, James Madison at No. 12, New Hampshire at No. 22 and Towson at No. 24.

Villanova will kickoff the 2016 season on Saturday, Sept. 3, with a game at ACC member Pittsburgh. Kickoff at Heinz Field is set for 1:30 p.m.