Villanova releases its 2026 football schedule for first season in Patriot League
Villanova opens the season Aug. 29 against another newcomer to the Patriot League, William & Mary.
Villanova football announced its 2026 schedule on Friday, ahead of its first season as a member of the Patriot League.
Villanova is coming off its final season in the Coastal Athletic Conference. The Wildcats finished 12-3 with a FCS playoff run that ended in the semifinals with a 30-14 loss to Illinois State on Dec. 20.
Villanova will open the season on Aug. 29 against another team joining the conference this offseason, William & Mary. The Wildcats look to start a new home winning streak after their 23-game run was snapped to end last season. Villanova defeated William & Mary, 31-24, in nonconference play last season, but the Tribe leads the all-time series, 20-17-1.
Then the Wildcats will play three straight road games, which includes their annual FBS game, this season against Louisville, on Sept. 11.
Villanova also will face conference foe Bucknell on Sept. 5.
Besides Louisville, the Wildcats will play just two nonconference games during the 2026 season, facing Long Island on Sept. 19 in New York and Morgan State on Oct. 3 at Villanova Stadium.
Colgate returns to Villanova Stadium for the second straight season on Sept. 26. Villanova has faced Colgate in nonconference play the last three seasons, winning each matchup.
The Wildcats will close out the regular season with six conference matchups, alternating between home and away games. It will begin on the road vs. Fordham on Oct. 17.
» READ MORE: Villanova’s players and coach are ‘super proud’ of a season that ended in the FCS semifinals
A highly anticipated rematch with Lehigh is Oct. 24 on the Main Line. No. 12 Villanova narrowly upset No. 5 Lehigh, 14-7, in the second round of the FCS playoffs last season, ending the Mountain Hawks’ undefeated season.
Villanova then will travel to Easton, Pa., to face Lafayette on Oct. 31. The final three opponents of the regular season include Richmond (Nov. 7), at Holy Cross (Nov. 14), and Georgetown (Nov. 21).
Kickoff times and television information will be announced at a later date. The Patriot League is partnered with ESPN+, which streams most of its football games.