On Wednesday, Nov. 13, the NCAA Division I Initial-Eligibility Waiver Committee announced that it denied Villanova’s secondary Initial-Eligibility Waiver appeal for freshman forward Matthew Hodge. This decision comes after Villanova’s initial attempt at an eligibility waiver, was denied Nov. 8.

Coming out of St. Rose School, Hodge was a four-star recruit with enormous potential. For the past few weeks, Hodge’s ability to see that potential in a game was in serious jeopardy. On Wednesday, Nov. 13, that fear became reality. 

Forty-eight hours from now, when Villanova takes on Virginia, Hodge will be forced to watch from the bench. 

Although Nov. 8 was the first sign that Hodge may be ineligible, questions first arose before the start of Villanova’s exhibition game with Robert Morris on Oct. 27.

Upon arrival at the media box of Finneran Pavilion, media personnel learned that Hodge would not participate in the game, as he was awaiting the completion of his NCAA Initial Eligibility process. After the game, Villanova head coach Kyle Neptune described the process of Hodge’s eligibility as a “clearinghouse issue.”

The questions about Hodge’s eligibility stem from his upbringing and education in Belgium followed by the completion of his final years of high school in New Jersey. 

The NCAA’s 2024-25 initial-eligibility waiver directive outlines three outcomes for a waiver, with denial resulting from uncertainty that mitigating factors played a significant role in the athlete’s ability to meet NCAA standards.

Following the denial of the initial appeal, Hodge found himself in the national spotlight. 

Notable reporters such as College Basketball Insider, Jon Rothstein, Fox Broadcaster John Fanta and ESPN legend Dick Vitale all posted on social media about him. 

After Villanova’s initial attempt was denied on Nov. 8, ESPN commentator Jay Bilas also took to X [formerly Twitter] to offer support for Hodge. 

“Matthew Hodge of Villanova should be cleared immediately,” Bilas said. This makes no sense. Punishment with nothing done wrong. Unconscionable.” 

When Villanova matched up with St Joe’s on Nov 12th, the focus was on the game, but in the back of everyone’s mind was what type of news they would get the following day. 

Five days after initially being denied, Hodge found himself facing the reality of the final verdict. 

The initial verdict gave Villanova and Hodge one last chance to submit a second appeal, but from the start it was made clear that today’s decision is final and further appeals will not be accepted. 

The NCAA’s final decision means Hodge will be required to redshirt his entire freshman season. Although he cannot compete in a game, he is still permitted to practice and his scholarship to the university will still be honored. 

A redshirt season has often proved to be the reason why many former Wildcats have found immediate success in their second years. Current graduate forward Eric Dixon, and  former Wildcats such as Omari Spellman, DiVincenzo and Mikal Bridges, all redshirted their first seasons  but it was never  Hodge’s intention to redshirt. 

As a four-star recruit, he was expected to make an instant impact which made it crucial that an appeal was approved.

In 2024, players who are facing a a suspension, or a forced redshirt year have often entered the transfer portal or turned professional, but it seems likely that Hodge will remain at Villanova and compete next season. 

Although fans, coaches, and players will have to wait until the 2025-2026 season to see Hodge in a game, the Wildcats have a player who can score in the paint, from mid-range and from beyond the arc. 

“Matt is a skilled forward who can play inside or step out and make shots from the perimeter,” Neptune said to Villanova Athletics. “He is a very advanced shooter, decision-maker, and passer. As the son of a big-time player, he brings a great feel for the game.”

So far, the only times that Hodge has put on a Wildcat jersey has been at Hoops Mania, the Blue and White scrimmage and practice.

Despite being sidelined, Hodge is a player who can push other players and help improve the team even if he is ineligible to compete this season.