THE WORD

MVFC Week 5 Preview: Ranked Matchups Put Contenders to the Test

Week 4 brings one of the Patriot League’s deepest slates yet, with No. 25 Colgate visiting Villanova, unbeaten No. 9 Lehigh heading to Penn and several teams facing pivotal early-season tests. Add potentially rough weather across the Northeast, and Saturday could get interesting quickly.

The Patriot League hits the heart of its nonconference schedule with five teams taking on FBS opponents—but the biggest game of the weekend may be an all-FCS battle as #20 William & Mary visits #9 Lehigh with major early-season stakes.

The 2026 Patriot League football season kicks off with all 10 teams in action. Preview Lafayette-Georgetown, Villanova-William & Mary, Lehigh-Holy Cross and more.