Villanova is coming off a 12-3 season, reaching the FCS quarterfinals for the third time since 2021 and making its first semifinal appearance since 2010.
As the page turns to the 2026 season, here’s a look at the Villanova squad. Mark Ferrante enters his 10th season as head coach.
Nova begins a new era, joining the Patriot League after being a CAA Football member from 2007 to 2025. The Wildcats join Richmond and William & Mary as recent CAA-to-Patriot moves.
Returning 2025 FCS All-Conference Players (4)
1st Team
KR Ja’briel Mace
3rd Team
PR Braden Reed
Honorable Mention
OL Kyle Fay
*QB Pat McQuaide
*Petitioning for 1 more year of eligibility
D1 Transfer Portal Movement
Transfers Coming In From The FCS (1)
Mikey Allen (CB), Southern Utah
Transfers Coming In From The FBS (0)
Transfers Lost To The FCS (0)
Transfers Lost To The FBS (5)
David Avit (RB) to Arizona State
Anthony Hawkins (S) to Iowa
Zahmir Dawud (CB) to Rutgers
Jason Hall (LB) to West Virginia
Antonio Johnson (TE) to FAU
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Offensive Outlook
Villanova averaged 29.5 points per game last season. From that unit, the Wildcats return their top two rushers, three of their top five offensive linemen in snaps, and potentially their starting quarterback. Nova has to replace its top two receivers.
As of this writing, Villanova is still waiting for an NCAA decision on quarterback Pat McQuaide‘s waiver request for another season of eligibility. McQuaide was the starting QB at Nicholls in 2023 and 2024 before transferring to Villanova for the 2025 season. He also spent a season at Mississippi Gulf Coast, a JuCo year that may or may not count toward his D1 eligibility. Last year, McQuaide was an All-CAA Honorable Mention selection for Nova, going 237/401 (59.1%) for 3,123 yards, 25 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
If McQuaide is not able to return this fall, senior Robert Russo or true freshman Nolan DiLucia, a three-star recruit, are early favorites to take the reins.
The good news for Nova’s QB1, whoever it may be, is that the rushing attack will be strong.
After owning the No. 1 FCS rushing grade on PFF, the Wildcats return an experienced offensive line and their top two running backs. Ja’briel Mace had a breakout season last year, rushing 128 times for 946 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 7.4 yards per carry. Isaiah Ragland also returns. Ragland rushed for 511 yards and four touchdowns in 2024, and then ran for 755 yards and two scores on 168 attempts last fall.
On the o-line, Nova returns three players who logged between 650 and 890 snaps in 2025 — All-CAA Honorable Mention Kyle Fay (6’6″ 310 lbs), Chris McCullers (6’3″ 310 lbs), and Quin Whalen (6’4″ 290 lbs). Ryan Cregan (6’6″ 315 lbs) also brings back valuable experience with more than 300 snaps played last year.
The top two receivers need to be replaced. Braden Reed is primed for a strong season after a breakout freshman campaign. He totaled 34 catches for 518 yards and three touchdowns. Chris Colby is another returning receiver, recording 20 receptions for 357 yards and a touchdown last year.
Defensive Outlook
After allowing 20.9 points per game, which ranked No. 19 in the FCS, Villanova loses its top three tacklers and top five leaders in snaps. The Wildcats return seven of 15 players who logged at least 250 snaps last year.
Linebacker Turner Inge will anchor the unit after finishing No. 4 in team tackles, totaling 56 stops, 4.5 TFLs, three sacks, and four QB hurries. Returning LB Omari Bursey wasn’t far behind, recording 50 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, and an interception. Inge and Bursey both played more than 500 snaps in 2025. The two will need to elevate their play with the graduation of multi-time All-American Shane Hartzell.
The secondary needs new leaders to emerge as its top two safeties and top two cornerbacks in snaps are gone. But experience does return. Safeties Garrett Rogan (430+ snaps, 33 tackles, three pass breakups), Jamie Tyson (280+ snaps, 18 tackles, one interception, two pass breakups), and Josh Oluremi (175+ snaps, 27 tackles, one pass breakup) bring back solid reps.
At cornerback, Newton Essiem returns after playing more than 380 snaps and totaling 18 tackles, one interception, and five pass breakups. Mikey Allen is an incoming transfer from Southern Utah, where he was the No. 37 FCS CB on PFF last year, playing 700+ snaps and tallying 36 tackles, three interceptions, and seven pass breakups.
Defensive end Capri Martin leads the way up front and looks set for a strong season. Last year, he logged more than 650 snaps and racked up 33 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, and five quarterback hurries. DE Ratu Delano Navoti also returns after playing 270+ snaps and totaling 12 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and two QB hurries. Ugo Nwotite is a name to keep an eye on. The 6-foot-5 DE made some splashes last year as a freshman, registering 5.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, and five QB hurries in just 170 snaps.
Obinna Nwobodo is a key player to replace at defensive tackle. Ivan Murray should see his snaps increase after playing nearly 150 last year.
Nova has owned a Top 20 FCS defense in three straight seasons. The Wildcats look to reload again, but will need strong contributors to turn into All-Conference-level players.
2026 Preseason Preview Central
Villanova Football Schedule
8/29 vs William & Mary
9/5 at Bucknell
9/11 at Louisville
9/19 at LIU
9/26 vs Colgate
10/3 vs Morgan State
10/17 at Fordham
10/24 vs Lehigh
10/31 at Lafayette
11/7 vs Richmond
11/14 at Holy Cross
11/21 vs Georgetown
Bold indicates Patriot League contests
