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After nearly eight months since a disappointing home loss in the 2025 Division 1 FCS College Football Playoffs to Illinois State at home last December — #8 Villanova looked to start this season with a win in August.
What seemed like an important early-season win seemed secure. It did not turn out that way.
With the Wildcats first game of the season on the upswing when quarterback Pat McQuade’s eligibility received a favorable court ruling on Friday —and the veteran Villanova quarterback who threw for over 3,000 yards last season got the opportunity to play in the opening contest. He finished the day with 270 yards through the air (with one touchdown) and threw three interceptions.
Despite the uncharacteristic play of the Wildcats (which included over 100-penalty yards on the night) Villanova battled to a 32–22 advantage with 53 seconds remaining in the contest before the rousing comeback by William and Mary.
A 40-yard field goal was followed by a botched onside kick recovery couldn’t be secured by Villanova and bounced into the hands of a William and Mary player. Tribesman receiver Kai Austin then hauled in a thirty-seven yard scoring pass from Winston Watson to tie the game with twenty-eight second left in regulation. In overtime — the Tribesman kicked a 45-yard field goal for the win.
Despite the loss — Villanova wide receiver Jake Hilton hauled in four receptions for 132 yards and running back Isaiah Ragland has ninety-four yards on the ground and two scores.
Villanova travels to Bucknell next Saturday, September 5th at 6:00 P.M.
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