Syracuse and Pitt made headlines this weekend by applying for and accepting invitations to join the Atlantic Coast Conference. According to the Orlando Sentinel, however, they weren't the only Big East schools to attempt to flee the conference.
Villanova also applied to join the ACC, citing an outstanding college basketball program, elite academic status and inclusion in the Philadelphia television market as reasons for an invitation. The lack of an impact football program, however, makes the move a longshot.
Neither the university nor the ACC have confirmed the report. Villanova released a statement later on Monday.
"We remain determined to ensure Villanova's position of national prominence and are strongly committed to the success of the Big East," the university said.
The departures of Pitt and Syracuse leave the Big East with only seven football teams.