[ Photos & story by Rick Pettine ]
September 26, 2026 – Villanova, PA — The Colgate Raiders surprised the FCS world with a 28-21 upset victory over the #23 Villanova Wildcats on Nova’s homecoming Family Weekend.
Colgate QB Jake Stearney (#15) orchestrated the upset by throwing for 158 yards and three touchdowns. He connected with wide receiver Matt Fogler (#14)—who piled up 93 yards on five receptions, including a 41-yard score—and Chief Montalvo (#1) for key touchdowns, while running back Caleb Naumann (#28) chipped in 66 rushing yards and a touchdown. The win marked Colgate’s first triumph over Villanova since 1978 and their first victory against a ranked opponent since November 2023.
For Villanova (2–3, 1–2 Patriot League), the afternoon unraveled through self-inflicted wounds, costly penalties, and an inability to stall Colgate’s third-down offense. Quarterback Pat McQuaide (#7) faced heavy pressure as the Raiders generated a fierce pass rush and forced crucial turnovers. Colgate’s defense sealed the game down the stretch, highlighted by a final-play stop by linebacker Jordan Edgecomb (#24) on a desperate 4th-and-30 attempt.
Next up for the Wildcats are the Morgan State Bears at home.
{ Click on the gallery thumbnails below for more game action! }
