The Official Newsletter of Villanova Athletics
Good Morning, Nova Nation. We’re just FOUR WEEKS away from returning to scenes like this!
Can’t wait for the ‘Cats to be BACK!
What all do we have in today’s edition? Check it out below!
🏈 Preseason Praise
📈 Raising The Bar
⏱️ Countin’ Down: 28 Days Away
🔷 And much more!
Tommy’s Tavern + Tap is proud to be an Official Partner of Villanova Athletics!
🔼 View From The Top. We are one month away from the return of Villanova Football and the ‘Cats will kickoff their inaugural season in the 10-team Patriot League as the league’s favorite.
This week, Villanova was selected to finish atop the conference, earning 79 total points and receiving seven of a possible nine first-place votes. VU is picked just ahead of Lehigh, who the Wildcats toppled in the playoffs' second round last year, while former CAA rivals Richmond and William & Mary tied for third place. The 'Cats are coming off a 2025 campaign that ended in the FCS semifinals after going 12-3 and winning seven straight conference games during the program's final season in the CAA.
🔼 Preseason Praise. In addition to being picked as the preseason favorite in the Patriot League, five ‘Cats were named to the conference’s Preseason All-League team.
Junior Ja'briel Mace was chosen as both a running back and return specialist, joined on the offense by junior offensive lineman Chris McCullers and sophomore wide receiver Braden Reed. Sophomore linebacker Omari Bursey and senior defensive lineman Capri Martin represented Villanova on the defensive side of the ball.
As the leading destination resource in Delaware County, we offer visitors, students, and alumni of Villanova University the best recommendations for exploring all Delco has to offer. Whether you're in town cheering on the Wildcats, visiting campus, or just passing through, Visit Delco is your go-to guide for discovering top accommodations, attractions, dining experiences, and entertainment.
Throughout the summer, we will be counting down the days
to the return of Villanova Football this fall. The Wildcats will
host William & Mary on Friday, August 28 at 6 p.m.
🔼 Countin’ Down. We are now just 2️⃣8️⃣ days away from kickoff for the 2026 Villanova Football season.
A big reason for the bright future of the ‘Cats is because of young talent like #2️⃣8️⃣ Brenden Toppin, a redshirt freshman defensive back.
The Glastonbury, Conn., native played in seven games last fall, racking up six tackles in his debut season.
Prior to arriving on campus, Toppin earned All-New England honors and two All-Conference accolades at Suffield Academy.
🔼 Raising The Bar. This week, the Metro Conference announced its 2025-26 Academic Honor Roll with a program-record 19 Wildcats representing Villanova on the list for a second consecutive year.
Villanova's previous program-record for honorees before the last two seasons was 17 by both the 2021-22 and 2017-18 teams. This year's Wildcat honorees are Layla Canales, Isabel Foley, Riley Hull, Coco Jones, Gracin Kerry, Reia Kimi, Tippy Maguire, Emmie Mallory, Ella Mattocks, Catharine McCann, Abby Moffatt, Anna Painter, Tessa Pettit, Lauren Short, Rachel Stephens, Charlotte Summe, Annika Wise, Sara Withers and Rosie Woodman.
What’s Ahead is brought to you by our friends at Visit Delco, the #1 source for information on all there is to see and do in Delaware County, PA. Find fantastic places to stay, incredible food and drink, and music and art—and you may even find a few surprises
Friday, July 31st
🌅 Linvilla Orchards: Sunset & Sip
Saturday, August 1st
🎸 Live Music at 118 North
Sunday, August 2nd
🍷 Red Brick Winery: Tasting Room Open
Monday, August 3rd
🇺🇸 Community Arts Center: 25 DECADES, celebrating USA 250
Tuesday, August 4th
🍻 2SP Brewing Company Tasting Room & Brewery Open
Wednesday, August 5th
🍉 Oakmont Farmers Market
🗣️ SPREAD THE WORD
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Have a great one, Nova Nation!
