Villanova Head Coach Mark Ferrante on Almost 40 Years on the Main Line & Previewing the FCS Playoff tilt vs. Lehigh
This week on The Preferred Walk-On Show, host Seth Saunders sits down with Villanova Head Coach Mark Ferrante, a cornerstone of the Wildcats football program for nearly four decades. From his early days under Coach Andy Talley to leading Villanova back into the postseason spotlight, Ferrante shares a lifetime of perspective, purpose, and passion for the game.
Fresh off a big opening-round FCS playoff victory over Harvard, Coach Ferrante breaks down what’s made this year’s team special — and what lies ahead in their next postseason battle against Lehigh.
Inside the Episode:
🐾 40 Years of Villanova Football – Ferrante’s full-circle coaching journey and foundational mentors
🔥 Opening Round Win vs. Harvard – how preparation, discipline, and resilience powered the Wildcats
🏆 FCS Playoff Outlook – keys to beating Lehigh and maintaining postseason momentum
🧠 Coaching Philosophy – lessons learned from his father and the legendary Andy Talley
🤝 Team Leadership & Culture – the backbone of Villanova’s identity
🏈 QB Pat McQuaide’s Impact – why the Nicholls State transfer elevated the program
💙 The Importance of Community Support – why Villanova football thrives when the Wildcat family shows up
This is a story of legacy, loyalty, and love for the game — delivered by one of the most respected figures in FCS football.
Support Coach Ferrante and the Wildcats in every way you can:
Villanova Wildcats Football on Twitter/X
Villanova Wildcats Football on Instagram
Plus: We’re on the hunt for College Football's Tailgate All-Americans. From Athens to Ann Arbor, Madison to Baton Rouge — we want to see whose the cream of the tailgate crop from coast-to-coast.
🎧 Give Preferred Walk-On a follow on social media:
If you believe in Saturdays:
✅ Tap Follow/Subscribe
⭐️ Drop a 5-star review to grow the Tailgate
🍻 Share this episode with your tailgate crew
