Villanova's Tyler Perkins Cleared for Action Ahead of Season Opener

Perkins underwent arthroscopic surgery in late April and was previously limited to non-contact activities until August. With Villanova set to open its season against Notre Dame in Rome on November 1, this clearance comes at an opportune time.

As one of only three returning rotation players from Kevin Willard’s first team, Perkins is the most crucial of the bunch. He averaged 13.7 points and 5.4 rebounds last season, was awarded the Big East Most Improved Player, and enters his senior year as a preseason All-Big East First Team selection, according to Rothstein. He is projected to start alongside Elijah Crawford, Devin Royal, Kwame Evans Jr., and Luigi Suigo on a Wildcats team ranked No. 28 entering the season.

However, the update regarding Matt Hodge is less optimistic but not unexpected. Rothstein noted that the redshirt sophomore forward is “continuing to progress” from the torn ACL he sustained against St. John’s in February, but there is still no timetable for his return. Hodge underwent surgery shortly after the injury, so it would not be surprising if he misses the November 1 opener. A return around the start of Big East play in December would mark roughly 10 months since his injury, but without an official timetable, it remains uncertain.

Despite the injury concerns, Willard has greater depth to work with this season compared to last. Rothstein projects Hodge to be part of a bench that also features four-star freshman Adam Oumiddoch, Jake Fiegen, and Buddy Simmons, providing Villanova with several options as Hodge continues his recovery.

Getting Perkins fully healthy ahead of the trip to Italy is significant. While Notre Dame’s program has changed since its Big East days, securing a strong win against them in Rome would be a great way to start the 2026-27 season.