Villanova University will join the Patriot League as an associate member for football beginning in the 2026 season. The move expands the league to 10 teams, following the recent additions of University of Richmond (2025) and William & Mary (2026).
Colgate and Villanova have met regularly in recent years and will play one final non-league game on Sept. 6, 2025, before becoming conference opponents.
“Villanova brings a tradition of athletic excellence that aligns perfectly with the Patriot League’s core values,” says Colgate President and Chair of the Patriot League Council of Presidents Brian W. Casey. “This is a momentous step forward — one that brings new energy, deepens our competitive landscape, and reaffirms our shared commitment to academic and athletic distinction.”
That academic strength is reflected across the Patriot League, with the highest Graduation Success Rate and Federal Graduation Rate among all NCAA DI FCS conferences. Colgate football contributed 43 honor roll selections in 2024–25, underscoring the team’s performance in the classroom as well as on the field.