The Patriot League has officially announced that Villanova University will join the conference as an associate member for football starting with the 2026 season.
Villanova becomes the third program to join the Patriot League as a football-only member since May 2024, following former conference rivals Richmond and William & Mary. With this addition, the League will now feature 10 football-playing programs—its largest membership to date.
“This is a major and exciting moment for the Patriot League,” said Commissioner Jennifer Heppel. “Villanova has shown consistent excellence in football and shares our strong commitment to academics. Alongside the recent additions of Richmond and William & Mary, this move strengthens the Patriot League’s position as one of the top FCS conferences.”
Villanova Vice President and Director of Athletics Eric Roedl echoed the sentiment, calling the Patriot League a great fit for the program. “We’re proud to join a competitive FCS conference that values academics as much as athletics,” he said. “The League’s geographic footprint aligns well with Villanova, and we’re eager to build new rivalries while continuing our tradition of football success.”
Villanova will join current full-time football members Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, Lafayette, and Lehigh, as well as associate members Fordham, Georgetown, Richmond, and William & Mary.
“This is a historic step forward,” said Colgate University President Brian W. Casey, Chair of the Patriot League Council of Presidents. “Villanova adds to our tradition of excellence and enhances the League’s competitive landscape.”
University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue also emphasized the values shared by Villanova and its future conference peers. “The Patriot League represents the best of collegiate athletics, where success on the field is matched by academic achievement,” he said.
Villanova Head Coach Mark Ferrante noted that the move offers a strong geographic fit and will help foster meaningful regional rivalries. “This is a great opportunity for our student-athletes. We’re excited for the future,” he said.
Before the recent additions, Georgetown was the last school to join the Patriot League for football in 2001. Until now, the League had never had more than eight football-playing teams at once.
With 10 members starting in 2026, the Patriot League will maintain a full conference schedule, ensuring that each team plays the other nine once per season. According to Commissioner Heppel, this will help preserve historic rivalries while creating new traditions.
Since 2015, eight of the League’s 10 teams have appeared in national rankings, and together, they have earned 17 playoff wins and eight quarterfinal appearances. Colgate, Richmond, and Villanova have each reached the quarterfinals twice, while Holy Cross and William & Mary have each done so once.
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