VILLANOVA, Pa. – Forward Matt Hodge, who started 29 games for the Wildcats in 2025-26 before a torn ACL in his right knee ended his season on Feb. 28, will return to Villanova for the 2026-27 campaign, it was announced today.
 
The native of Limburg, Belgium, who sat out the 2024-25 season at Villanova due to an NCAA Initial Eligibility ruling, averaged 27.6 minutes, 9.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest as a redshirt freshman. He suffered the knee injury early in the second half of a Feb. 28 game at St. John's and underwent successful surgery to repair the ligament on March 6.
 
The St. Rose (N.J.) product is currently in his second month of injury rehab.
 
"I think everyone saw how valuable Matt was to our team this past season when we lost him," said Villanova head coach Kevin Willard. "We really missed him and can't wait to see him back on the floor fully recovered."