For Villanova, a Season of Adversity Gives Way to The Future
First, the good news. Philadelphia was not without a representative in the NCAA Men’s Tournament once again in 2026 as Villanova and Penn made it in.
We all found out Sunday evening if the Wildcats have made it to the 2026 Men’s NCAA Tournament.
But like Penn, this postseason for the #8 Wildcats was short-lived. Despite 25 points from Bryce Lindsay , Utah State secured a 15–3 second-half run to distance themselves and defeat Villanova 86–76. Head Coach Kevin Willard even remarked that he would fire his assistant coaching staff, citing poor defensive play.
But ten years after Villanova’s magical run that ended with Kris Jenkins buzzer-beating three-pointer that was heard around Philadelphia and won the 2016 NCAA Tournament for the Wildcats, Villanova had to make a spectacular run of their own without several talented pieces.
As reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer and Clutchpoints — Guard, Temple Transfer, and West Catholic High’s Zion Stanford has reportedly left the Villanova Basketball Program and intends to enter the Transfer Portal.
Stanford did not play in the last two games of the season against DePaul and Xavier.
Last month, starting forward Matt Hodges was also lost for the season with a torn ACL.
Like Penn , Villanova will now need to look toward next season for the next chapter in the history of this great program.
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