
Villanova to Open 2026‑27 Exhibition Season Against Rutgers
Villanova will host Rutgers at Jersey Mike's Arena on October 11, marking the first meeting of the former Big East rivals in an exhibition setting.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Kevin Willard across Basketball.

Villanova will host Rutgers at Jersey Mike's Arena on October 11, marking the first meeting of the former Big East rivals in an exhibition setting.

From a modest ranking in 2023 to a central role at Villanova, Darryl Simmons II is preparing to showcase his skill set against larger opponents, aiming to help the Wildcats start the season with a bang in Rome.

Coach Kevin Willard discusses the team’s identity, the influx of transfers and freshmen, and the ambitious non‑conference schedule that includes a Rome showdown with Notre Dame.

Former Maryland coach Mark Turgeon's recent comments about the program's limited appeal have sparked a broader conversation about the Terrapins' place in modern college basketball.

Villanova hosted its 2026 Summer Jam on July 27, unveiling a revamped roster with ten newcomers, highlighted by 7‑foot‑3 freshman Luigi Suigo, while returning players and transfers prepare for a challenging season.

Villanova and Wisconsin will meet on December 12, 2026 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia for the Philly Hoops Showdown, marking the second consecutive year the two programs have faced off on a neutral site.
Wisconsin will meet Villanova on Dec. 12, 2026 in Philadelphia as part of a two‑game series, while the Badgers also schedule matches against Marquette, Auburn and a Bahamas tournament, amid a denied records request.

The Badgers will meet the Wildcats on Dec. 12, 2026 at Xfinity Mobile Arena, part of a two‑game contract, while also traveling to the Bahamas and Green Bay for additional contests.

Wisconsin has announced its non‑conference slate, highlighted by a December 12 showdown with Villanova in Philadelphia. The game serves as a crucial test for the Badgers as they prepare for Big Ten competition and a future NCAA Tournament run.

Jake Fiegen, known for his relentless hustle and defensive skill, has transferred from Cornell to Villanova, aiming to contribute to a championship‑contending team.

From the streets of Abuja to the practice gyms of Philadelphia, Nico Onyekwere is carving a path toward his first official college appearance while embracing a family atmosphere at Villanova.

Villanova’s head coach hints at a 2027 home‑and‑home series with Purdue, citing resource growth and the desire for marquee games.
Villanova’s head coach Kevin Willard revealed plans for a 2027 home‑and‑home series with Purdue, reviving a rivalry that has produced three meetings since 2016 and underscoring a strategic shift toward scheduling elite opponents.

Purdue is set to host Villanova in a home-and-home series during the 2027-28 season, while also traveling to Knoxville for a showdown with Tennessee, as part of a challenging slate that includes Gonzaga, Oklahoma and other power-conference opponents.

Villanova’s basketball program has rebuilt its roster with size and experience, but still falls outside the preseason Top 25, prompting optimism for a deeper tournament run.

After a busy offseason that brought in size, depth, and international flair, the Wildcats hope to translate their upgraded lineup into a deeper NCAA run, even as analysts keep them out of the early Top 25.
A look at the veteran coaches whose contracts and performances suggest they could remain at their schools well into the next decade, and what that means for the sport’s evolving landscape.

Devin Royal, a 6‑6 forward known for his strength and adaptability, has joined Villanova and is focused on helping the team contend for a conference title.

Under Coach Ryan Odom, the Cavaliers have scheduled a demanding non‑conference slate, featuring Villanova, UConn, Wisconsin, Tennessee and Maryland. Each opponent offers a chance for a signature win and a revival of long‑standing rivalries.

Coach Ryan Odom is shaping a challenging non‑conference schedule for Virginia, targeting Villanova, UConn, Wisconsin, Tennessee and Maryland. Each program offers a distinct historical context and strategic narrative.

Villanova announced the hiring of Kyle Tarp, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, to lead its basketball performance program.

Kyle Tarp, who spent 15 seasons shaping the Terrapins' physical program and mentoring NBA talent, is set to join Villanova's men's basketball staff, while Maryland taps former Navy SEALS trainer Marshall Repp to take his place.

Villanova University has named Kyle Tarp its next Sports Performance Coach for the men's basketball program, tapping a coach whose work at the University of Maryland helped shape multiple NCAA Tournament teams and develop several NBA players.

The Wildcats secure a 7‑foot‑3 Italian center, adding size and experience to a revamped roster that experts predict will rank among the nation's top 25.