THE WORD

Patriot League Week 1 was a tale of two afternoons. Early blowouts gave way to a dramatic evening slate as Lehigh and Colgate took control atop the standings, William & Mary and Richmond improved to 2-0 and Villanova survived Bucknell.

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.

The Patriot League enters a new era in 2026 with Villanova and William & Mary joining the conference and ten teams battling for supremacy. Here’s a team-by-team look at the preseason rankings, top players, Week 0 matchups and storylines shaping the season.

Never doubt a coach coming from the DIII ranks. John Troxell has taken Lafayette leaps and bounds thanks to his endless experiences.