Good Morning, Nova Nation 7/6: A New Era

Wildcat Football Officially Join Patriot League

July 06, 2026

The Official Newsletter of Villanova Athletics

Good Morning, Nova Nation. Heading into the holiday weekend is a perfect time to meet some new ‘Cats!

What all do we have in today’s edition? Check it out below!

🏈 A New Era
🏀 Settling In
⏱️ Countin’ Down
🔷 And much more!

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap is proud to be an Official Partner of Villanova Athletics!

🔼 A New Era. A new era has officially arrived for Villanova Football as the Wildcats join the Patriot League as an associate member.

The conference affiliation, which was announced on June 5, 2025, became effective earlier this week (July 1) and Villanova is set to play its inaugural season in the Patriot League this Fall. The season opener at home against William & Mary on August 28 will mark the Patriot League debut for both teams.

Villanova will continue to compete against longtime conference rivals Richmond and William & Mary who have both joined the conference as associate members in football over the last two years. There is plenty of familiarity for the Wildcats with the seven existing football members of the Patriot League as well. Villanova has played six of those seven schools at least once within the last 11 seasons.

🔼 A New Home. At 6-6, 230-pounds, Devin Royal certainly looks the part of a sculpted BIG EAST forward.

Just a few weeks after arriving on campus, the Ohio State transfer is settling in to his new home.

🔼 Two More Pieces. With summer workouts in full swing, the Villanova men’s hoops program added two more pieces to the puzzle for the 2026-27 season.

Late last week, 6-2 guard out of Baltimore, Carter Fisk, officially signed on to join the Wildcats and just a few days later, 6-4 transfer from Bucknell, Brady Muller, followed him.

Fisk was named the Baltimore Metro Player of the Year after a standout season at St. Frances Academy. He had a breakout senior season, averaging 17.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game for the Panthers, who finished 36-7 and won the Baltimore Catholic League regular season and tournament championships.

Muller missed all of last season with an injury, but played in 39 games for the Bison over the previous three years. The Wyckoff, N.J., native will provide a valuable depth piece for the Wildcats.

Are you ready for your next step? Forge a new path in your career with a Villanova graduate degree or certificate! The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers more than 20 graduate programs with small classes in a welcoming, collaborative environment and flexible class options to fit your schedule. Explore our programs. Go Nova!

🔼 Countin’ Down. The days keep ticking away as we get closer and closer to kickoff for the 2026 season for the Villanova Football squad.

We are just 5️⃣3️⃣ days away from the season opener against William & Mary on Friday, August 28th.

One of the most exciting young players on the Villanova roster will be wearing #5️⃣3️⃣ this fall with the return of redshirt freshman Michael Gaul.

A two-time All-State honoree from State College, Gaul appeared in one game last season for the ‘Cats before redshirting the remaining games last season behind legendary Villanova linebacker Shane Hartzell.

Gaul finished as the all-time record holder at State College High School with 362 career tackles.

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

Monday, July 6th
🎣 Fishing At Linvilla Orchards

Thursday, July 9th
🎶 Live Music at 118 North

Friday, July 10th
🍉 Newtown Square Farmers Market

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Have a great one, Nova Nation!