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Per Coppin State’s official schedule release, the Eagles will be traveling to Villanova for a late-November clash. A year ago, Coppin State finished 7-24 (5-9 in MEAC play), which was good for sixth in an eight-team league. The Eagles were ineligible for the MEAC Tournament due to Academic Progress Rate penalties issued by the NCAA. Coppin State is led by Larry Stewart, who is going into his fourth season as head coach. Coppin State is the first known “buy game” for Villanova.

Villanova will take a trip back to a familiar place before the start of the 2026-27 season. The Wildcats have scheduled an exhibition against Rutgers on Oct. 11, announced by the Scarlet Knights on Friday. The scrimmage will take place at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway, NJ, where Villanova had many battles when it was known as the RAC. There is no time yet for the exhibition. Villanova has a record of 10-4 against Rutgers with the last meeting being a 77-71 win in February 2013.

Philadelphia 76ers’ center Joel Embiid made an appearance at the Davis Center on Thursday, and Nico Onyekwere shared it on his Instagram. As you can see in the photo, Onyekwere is all of his listed 7’1” height. Onyekwere is from Nigeria, so it would make sense that he holds an even higher regard for Embiid, who is from Cameroon. Nigeria is just a short 1.5-hour flight from Cameroon.

The former Wildcat center has narrowed his list to a top five. Duke Brennan was a big part of Villanova last season as the Wildcats were able to return to the NCAA Tournament. The big man is now looking for a home for the upcoming season in his fifth year. Brennan has narrowed his list to five teams and they all bring different fits. Brennan averaged 12.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game last season. He proved to be a force down low at 6-foot-10 on both ends of the floor.

Needless to say this would be a pleasant surprise Per Duke Brennan’s agency, OG6 Sports Management, the former Villanova center has narrowed his list of potential landing spots to five teams: Ole Miss, USC, Oregon, Oklahoma and the aforementioned Villanova. Brennan would be an embarrassment of riches for the Wildcats, as Kwame Evans Jr. and Luigi Suigo are already on board to man the middle.

With the season only a couple of months away and rosters mostly solidified, preseason projections are starting to become more relevant. Bart Torvik, one of the more reputable sources, currently has Villanova at 26th overall. The Wildcats rank 17th in adjusted offensive efficiency, but on the defensive end are only coming in at 44th. The offensive ranking is impressive, and with the talent that Kevin Willard has accrued, it doesn’t come as a surprise to see them in the top-20.

Is this the right position for the Wildcats preseason? Head coach Kevin Willard worked hard this offseason to rebuild the roster in the transfer portal. Villanova lost player after player to the portal, with the exception of Tyler Perkins and Matt Hodge. Multiple additions were made including four starters while adding experience, depth, and size. The NCAAB AP Poll is still weeks and weeks away from being released but projections are in full swing.

Villanova has done a lot this offseason to rebuild its frontcourt in the transfer portal. Now, a familiar name has become available but is he no longer a fit for the Wildcats? Duke Brennan has received interest from many big-name programs for a fifth year of eligibility, according to his agent Earl Flaggs. Villanova is on the lengthy list for the big man, which is no surprise given the success that Brennan had with the Wildcats last year.

It has been quiet on the basketball front, but the offseason has been full of good news. The Wildcats received more good news over the weekend — this time on the gridiron. On Saturday, an Ohio judge granted Villanova quarterback Pat McQuaide another year of elibigility, meaning he will return for the 2026 season. Villanova filed a waiver for McQuaide to be eligible to play in 2026-27. The NCAA denied this request. Cayuhoga County Common Pleas Court judge Timothy P.

As part of the Big East Conference network, Villanova’s Kevin Willard sat down with John Fanta for a 30-minute interview. Lots of good stuff in here, including what he’s learned at Villanova thus far and his thoughts on the roster changes. Full interview below.