By Tiffany Williams –
The post-Connor Watkins era at Villanova began with another record-setting debut under center. Graduate transfer Pat McQuaide wasted no time etching his name into the Wildcats’ history books, throwing for 299 yards and adding a rushing score to lift No. 13/12 Villanova past Colgate, 24-17, Saturday night at Villanova Stadium. The lefty from Solon, Ohio, delivered the game’s biggest moment late in the third quarter, firing a 56-yard strike to Lucas Kopecky that broke a 17-17 tie and ultimately sealed the win.
McQuaide’s debut wasn’t just about numbers, though his 18-for-28 passing line and 340 yards of total offense edged Watkins’ 298-yard first start in 2022 by a single yard for a new program mark. He showed toughness on the ground as well, rushing for 41 yards, including a 28-yard keeper that went for a second-quarter touchdown. That run was his longest career rush and a reminder that Villanova’s new QB isn’t just a pocket statue. In fact, McQuaide becomes only the third left-handed starter for the program in its FCS era.
Villanova leaned on its graduate veterans to put away a scrappy Colgate squad. Kopecky hauled in five catches for a career-best 98 yards, including the decisive deep ball that had the home crowd roaring. Fellow grad transfer Luke Colella made his Wildcats debut after four years at Princeton and proved to be an instant weapon, catching five passes for 124 yards. His 51-yard grab on Villanova’s second drive set up Isaiah Ragland’s short touchdown plunge, the Wildcats’ first score of 2025.
Special teams made their mark as well. Australian punter Luke Larsen pinned Colgate deep all night, with the Raiders’ average starting spot after his five punts at their own 17. Kicker Jack Barnum chipped in a 39-yarder in the third quarter, just shy of adding to his long-range career tally. Villanova’s defense stiffened after halftime, allowing only one third-down conversion and breaking up eight passes. Linebacker JR Strauss, making his first career start, notched eight tackles to set a new personal best.
The Wildcats are deep, seasoned and unafraid to lean on experience. With 70 returners and 94 players who have logged more than 1,100 combined college games, head coach Mark Ferrante has the luxury of plugging in proven veterans who can deliver right away. That was clear against Colgate, where McQuaide, Kopecky and Colella all looked like they’d been wearing the V for years.
The road gets tougher next weekend. Villanova travels to Happy Valley for a showdown at Penn State, a 3:30 p.m. kickoff that will test just how far this veteran-laden roster can climb.