What's Happening?
The Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) is gearing up for the 2025 football season, which will be marked by significant changes as Villanova and William & Mary prepare to leave the conference after this season. Both teams will join the Patriot League in 2026, following the path of Richmond, which is transitioning to the Patriot League this year. Despite their impending departure, Villanova and William & Mary will compete for the CAA championship in their final season. Rhode Island, which finished 11-3 last season and secured an FCS playoff berth, is the preseason favorite according to the coaches poll. The CAA football games will be broadcast on various platforms, including ACC Network, FS1, FloCollege, ESPN+, HBCU Go, and Peacock.
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Why It's Important?
The departure of Villanova and William & Mary from the CAA marks a significant shift in the conference's landscape, potentially affecting the competitive balance and media coverage. As these teams transition to the Patriot League, the CAA will need to adapt to the loss of two prominent programs. This change could influence recruitment strategies, fan engagement, and the overall dynamics within the conference. Additionally, the preseason ranking of Rhode Island as the favorite highlights the team's growing prominence and could impact their visibility and opportunities in the FCS playoffs.
What's Next?
As Villanova and William & Mary prepare to leave the CAA, the conference will likely focus on strengthening its remaining teams and possibly exploring new membership opportunities to maintain its competitive edge. The upcoming season will serve as a critical period for these teams to showcase their capabilities and potentially attract new recruits. Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the conference adapts to these changes and what new rivalries or dynamics emerge.
