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Villanova Today
By the People, for the People
Villanova Loses Standout Freshman for Season to Torn ACL
Matt Hodge will undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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The Villanova Wildcats have been dealt a major blow ahead of March Madness, as freshman forward Matt Hodge has suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his right knee. Hodge, a 6-foot-8 Belgian native, was injured during the second half of Saturday's loss to the St. John's Red Storm. Medical evaluations have confirmed the injury, and Hodge will require surgery, sidelining him for the rest of the 2025-26 season.
Why it matters
Hodge had solidified himself as a regular starter for the Wildcats, averaging 9.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. His absence will leave a significant hole in Villanova's frontcourt, as they prepare for their first NCAA Tournament appearance in four years.
The details
Hodge was helped off the court after suffering the injury against St. John's. Further testing has revealed the torn ACL, which will require surgery and sideline him for the remainder of the season. Villanova head coach Kevin Willard expressed his support for Hodge, saying, "Matt is a tremendous person with an unbelievable work ethic. We know he will be back better than ever." The Wildcats will now have to find unconventional solutions in the power forward spot, with Devin Askew, Malachi Palmer, and Zion Stanford expected to see increased minutes.
- Hodge suffered the injury during the second half of Villanova's 89-57 loss to St. John's on Saturday, March 1, 2026.
- Medical evaluations confirmed the torn ACL on Sunday, March 2, 2026.
The players
Matt Hodge
A 6-foot-8 freshman forward for the Villanova Wildcats, who was averaging 9.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game before suffering a season-ending torn ACL.
Kevin Willard
The head coach of the Villanova Wildcats, who expressed his support for Hodge and confidence in the team's ability to overcome his absence.
What they’re saying
“Matt is a tremendous person with an unbelievable work ethic. We know he will be back better than ever.”
— Kevin Willard, Head Coach (Villanova MBB)
What’s next
The Wildcats have two regular-season games remaining before the postseason, and they will need to find ways to replace Hodge's production in the frontcourt. Coach Willard may be forced to get creative with his lineup and rotations as the team prepares for their first NCAA Tournament appearance in four years.
The takeaway
Hodge's season-ending injury is a significant blow to the Villanova Wildcats, who were counting on the talented freshman to contribute in their push for the NCAA Tournament. The team's depth and resilience will be tested as they navigate the remainder of the season without one of their key players.
