Villanova’s frontcourt plan includes Matt Hodge. It cannot depend on him being ready when the season begins.
Hodge continues recovering from the ACL tear he suffered Feb. 28, and coach Kevin Willard has indicated the versatile forward might not return until December or later, according to VU Hoops.
That uncertainty places immediate responsibility on Kwame Evans Jr., Luigi Suigo and a limited collection of alternatives behind them.
Further testing has revealed that redshirt freshman forward Matt Hodge suffered a torn ACL during Saturday night's game at St. John's.
— Villanova MBB (@NovaMBB) March 2, 2026
"Matt is a tremendous person with an unbelievable work ethic. We know he will be back better than ever." -Coach Willard
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Matt Hodge’s absence changes more than the rotation
Hodge averaged 9.2 points last season, but his importance cannot be summarized through scoring.
He can stretch the floor, defend different frontcourt matchups and provide help around the rim. Those abilities allow a coach to adjust lineups without completely changing the team’s offensive or defensive identity.
Villanova will miss that flexibility during the opening weeks.
Evans and Suigo might form an effective primary combination. The concern arrives when either player encounters foul trouble, needs rest or faces a matchup that demands a different defensive approach.
Willard cannot simply assume Hodge will solve those problems in December.
Timetable is a little unknown
ACL recovery timelines are not exact, and medical clearance does not immediately restore game conditioning, lateral movement or confidence. Even after Hodge returns, Villanova may need several weeks before knowing how much he can provide.
That could make smaller lineups necessary. The Wildcats might compensate by increasing their pace, spreading the floor and asking guards or wings to contribute more on the glass. Such adjustments could create offensive advantages, but they also risk exposing Villanova against bigger opponents.
The encouraging part is that Hodge’s eventual return could function like a meaningful midseason addition. He will not necessarily reclaim his former role immediately. He could become a valuable reserve whose shooting and defensive awareness give Willard more options during Big East play.
Villanova’s task is reaching that point without overloading the rest of its frontcourt.
The Wildcats do not need Hodge to return ahead of schedule.
They need their current big men to ensure patience remains possible.
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