Villanova forward Matt Hodge missed the No. 3-seeded Wildcats’ 78-64 loss to the No. 11-seeded Georgetown Hoyas in the Big East Tournament last week. After being granted eligibility after sitting out the 2024–25 season, Hodge has become a cornerstone of coach Kevin Willard’s Villanova this season.
Will the influential forward be available for the No. 8-seeded Wildcats’ journey at the 2026 NCAA Tournament that tips off with a clash against the No. 9-seeded Utah State Aggies on Friday?
How Villanova Forward Matt Hodge Tore His ACL
Hodge sustained a torn ACL in the Wildcats’ 89-57 loss to the St. John’s Red Storm on Feb. 28 and will therefore miss Villanova’s Big Dance campaign. In an interview with The Inquirer’s Jeff Neiburg on Tuesday, he revealed how he sustained the injury and how it reminded him of his younger brother Jayden Hodge’s injury.
“It was a typical basketball play,” Hodge said. “I just knew the moment I planted my foot, and I tried to spin off Zuby, I felt something, and I knew right away it was wrong. The first thing I said was, ‘I think I tore my ACL like my brother.’ The pain is more mental than anything physical. I just got to keep my head up now and support the team.”
Hodge, who has been pivotal in Villanova’s improved 24-8 record this season, will miss the Wildcats’ first foray into the NCAA Tournament in four years. Coach Willard has been forced to turn to sophomore Malachi Palmer to replicate Hodge’s influence on the team.
MARCH MADNESS: Fill In Your Bracket Now!
Hodge Regrets the Timing of His ACL Tear Ahead of March Madness
During his interview on Tuesday, Hodge, who had to sit out a whole season after joining Villanova from Belgium due to NCAA academic regulations, revealed his regret at missing the chance to play in his first March Madness.
“It’s fun to get to see our name get called,” Hodge said, “but at the same time, I won’t be able to go, and I won’t be able to play. So it’s a feeling of regret and of timing.
“I feel like obviously it’s still a long way ahead of me, but I want to have a goal, and I think that goal is pretty realistic. I’m just working toward that, and I know, in my head and deep down, anything is possible. I might not be ready yet, or I might be ready quicker.”
In 29 games played this season, Hodge averaged 9.2 points on 45.2% shooting from the floor and 36.8% from beyond the arc, and 3.6 rebounds for the Wildcats before his injury.
