VILLANOVA, Pa.—A new era has officially arrived for Villanova Football as the Wildcats join the Patriot League as an associate member. The conference affiliation, which was announced on June 5, 2025, is effective today (July 1) and Villanova is set to play its inaugural season in the Patriot League this Fall. The season opener at home against William & Mary on August 28 will mark the Patriot League debut for both teams.
"Villanova looks forward to joining the Patriot League as an associate member, aligning with institutions that uphold an unwavering commitment to academic and athletic distinction and the holistic development of student-athletes," said University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD. "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."
"This is an exciting day for Villanova," said Vice President and Director of Athletics
Eric Roedl. "We have great respect for the institutions that make up a very competitive FCS conference and we share in their strong academic missions. The geographic footprint of the Patriot League is a perfect fit for Villanova, and as we get ready to embark on a new chapter for our football program, we remain committed to competing at the highest levels of the FCS and continuing to add to our accomplished history on the gridiron."
Villanova will continue to compete against longtime conference rivals Richmond and William & Mary who have both joined the conference as associate members in football over the last two years. There is plenty of familiarity for the Wildcats with the seven existing football members of the Patriot League as well. Villanova has played six of those seven schools at least once within the last 11 seasons.
"The addition of Villanova as our 10th football member represents a significant and exciting moment for the Patriot League," Patriot League Commissioner Jennifer Heppel said. "Villanova has consistently demonstrated excellence on the field, establishing itself as a premier FCS football program while also upholding a strong commitment to academic achievement. Combined with the recent additions of Richmond and William & Mary and the continued strength of our current members, this expansion solidifies the Patriot League's standing as one of the strongest in the FCS."
Playing football in the Patriot League is a natural fit on many levels for a Villanova program which has reached the FCS playoffs in four of the last five years. In addition to the Wildcats, seven other current or incoming Patriot League members have finished a season ranked in the Stats Perform and AFCA FCS Coaches Poll since 2015. During the span, the nine other schools have combined to win 13 games in the FCS playoffs. Colgate, Holy Cross, Richmond and William & Mary have all advanced to the quarterfinals in this recent 10-year stretch.
"We are excited to join a conference where the member institutions share similar values, both athletically and academically," said Villanova Head Football Coach Mark Ferrante. "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."
