Villanova football will open its first Patriot League season on August 28 at Villanova Stadium against William & Mary, capping a conference expansion that gives the league 10 football-playing members for the first time in its 41-year history.
The Patriot League announced the milestone Monday, unveiling a new football-specific brand identity and slogan, "The Power of 10." The campaign marks the additions of Villanova and William & Mary for 2026, one year after Richmond joined as an associate member.
"The addition of Richmond, Villanova and William & Mary marks a transformational period for Patriot League Football," Commissioner Jennifer Heppel said in the league's announcement. "'The Power of 10' represents more than any one member — it reflects the competitive excellence, academic achievement and championship aspirations that unite every Patriot League football program."
The full 10-team roster: Bucknell, Colgate, Fordham, Georgetown, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh, Richmond, Villanova and William & Mary. Collectively, those programs have won two FCS national championships, reached 12 national semifinals and earned 42 postseason wins.
Villanova brings serious credentials. Head coach Mark Ferrante's program won four CAA Conference Championships (2009, 2012, 2021, 2023) and the 2009 FCS National Championship over 19 seasons in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Wildcats made the FCS playoffs as recently as 2025.
FCS Untapped's preseason poll picked Villanova to finish second in the Patriot League standings this fall.
The August 28 opener kicks off at 6 p.m. and marks the third straight year the Wildcats open at home, according to Villanova Athletics. Single-game tickets are on sale, with season packages starting at $20.50 per game for adults and $15 per game for kids.
The home slate features six games, including five Patriot League matchups. Highlights include the first meeting between Villanova and Georgetown in 76 years on Saturday, November 21, and a Homecoming rematch against Lehigh on Saturday, October 24. The Wildcats also travel to Louisville for a non-conference game on September 11, the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
The Patriot League Football Season Preview Show, hosted by Paige Messier, airs Wednesday, July 29, on ESPN+. The league's season officially opens Thursday, August 27, when Georgetown hosts Lafayette at 7 p.m.
Villanova 2026 home schedule:
- Friday, August 28 — William & Mary, 6 p.m.
- Saturday, September 26 — Colgate (Family Weekend)
- Saturday, October 3 — Morgan State
- Saturday, October 24 — Lehigh (Homecoming)
- Saturday, November 7 — Richmond
- Saturday, November 21 — Georgetown (Senior Day)
