Two of the CAA’s early contenders collide Saturday in a matchup that could help define the league race.
No. 18 Villanova (3-2, 2-1 CAA) visits Elon (4-2, 2-0) in a test between one of the conference’s most consistent programs and one of its hottest. The Phoenix, celebrating homecoming, enter this week riding a defensive gem at Towson. Villanova, meanwhile, looks to continue its climb up the national rankings after consecutive league wins over William & Mary and New Hampshire.
Elon has built a reputation for overachieving in CAA play, winning 24 conference games since 2021 — second-most among active members. Villanova remains a proven power under ninth-year head coach Mark Ferrante, owning a 60-35 record in his tenure and back-to-back convincing performances heading into Rhodes Stadium.
Game Vitals: How to Watch Villanova at Elon
🏈 Matchup: No. 18 Villanova (3-2, 2-1 CAA) at Elon (4-2, 2-0 CAA)
🏟️ Stadium: Rhodes Stadium | Elon, NC
⏰ Kickoff: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 | 2 p.m. ET
📺 TV/Streaming: FloCollege
📅 Last Meeting: Villanova 21, Elon 0 (2023)
📊 Massey Ratings Prediction: Villanova 23, Elon 21
It's Homecoming Week, time to break out a classic for Saturday! #PhoenixRising | #AED pic.twitter.com/tfqdlLC6sX — Elon Football (@ElonFootball) October 7, 2025
Five Things to Know
1️⃣ CAA Stakes Are High – Elon and Rhode Island sit atop the early standings at 2-0, while Villanova is among a crowded pack just one game back. A Phoenix win could push them into the Top 25 conversation and solidify them as a legitimate title and playoff contender.
2️⃣ Elon’s Offense Balanced and Explosive – The Phoenix rank second in the CAA in scoring (30.5 ppg) and total offense (409.3 ypg). Quarterback Landen Clark has thrown for 1,226 yards and 8 TDs, and the backfield trio of Jimmyll Williams, TJ Thomas Jr. and Clark has combined for more than 1,000 rushing yards and 11 TDs.
3️⃣ Defense on a Roll – Elon has forced a turnover in nine straight games and ranks third in the league in scoring defense (22.0 ppg). Asher Cunningham and Ishmel Atkins headline a takeaway-happy secondary (5 INTs), while Brodie Carroll anchors the unit with 47 tackles.
4️⃣ Villanova Finding Rhythm Again – After a 1-2 start, the Wildcats rebounded with a 37-7 win at New Hampshire. Running back David Avit has been the engine, rushing for 472 yards (6.4 avg) and 7 TDs. Quarterback Pat McQuaide has added 1,072 yards passing, keeping the offense balanced.
5️⃣ Home-Field Edge? – Rhodes Stadium has become one of the CAA’s toughest venues: Elon is 13-3 in its last 16 home conference games and went unbeaten against conference foes in Rhodes in 2022 and 2023. The Phoenix have a tendency to rise up when ranked foes come to town, winning their last four home games when top-25 CAA foes visit.
What to Expect / Prediction
Elon football teams under Tony Trisciani seem to find another gear when ranked conference rivals come to town, including stalling No. 5 William & Mary in 2023 and No. 17 Richmond in ‘22. Trisciani’s bunch appears slight underdogs here, but we like the improved offense, emerging defense and kicking tandem of punter Jeff Yurk and placekicker Luke Barnes to win the day on homecoming.
Our pick: Elon 24, Villanova 20.
➡️ Check out where Elon ranks in this week’s Fabulous 15 statewide rankings, highlighting the top college football teams across North Carolina (Hint: the Phoenix are ranked pretty high this week).
➡️ See the complete North Carolina college football schedule for this week, featuring 26 games on Saturday including this CAA showdown in Elon.
