A Villanova University freshman and football player, D'Hani Cobbs, has been charged with multiple counts related to a sexual assault against another university student in December 2025, according to official court records. NBC10 reports that Cobbs faces charges including Rape Forcible Compulsion and Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse Forcible Compulsion. Additional allegations are Sexual Assault and several other related offenses.
The university, in a statement revealed to The Villanovan, explained that "once the University learned of the incident, campus police launched an investigation, notified the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, and removed the alleged assailant from campus." Cobbs, who participated in one football game last season, seen through his stats on ESPN, was arraigned on January 30, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 12, according to court documents.
In the statement obtained by NBC10, Villanova University expressed its commitment "to both supporting the victim and fostering a safe environment for all of our students." As it stands, Cobbs is being held on $250,000 bail, a hefty sum reflective of the severity with which the legal system is treating the case.
The Department of Public Safety on campus informed the community about the incident back in December, stating in an email that the incident involved "the guest and the resident student" who were known to each other, as reported by The Villanovan. The email emphasized the university's stance that "all forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, dating/domestic violence and stalking, are not tolerated at Villanova." Cobbs, a Camden High School graduate, has been removed from the university's athletic website following his charges, yet still appears on ESPN's roster reflecting his past season activities.
Representing Cobbs is attorney Thomas G. Masciocchi, according to Delaware County court documents.
