Villanova University student accused of sexually assaulting another student: Officials

Villanova student-athlete accused of rape, sexual assault in campus dorm room

A Villanova University freshman football player has been charged with rape and several counts of sexual assault after prosecutors say he assaulted a fellow student in his dorm room last December. 

PHILADELPHIA - A Villanova University freshman football player has been charged with rape and several counts of sexual assault after prosecutors say he assaulted a fellow student in his dorm room last December. 

Prosecutors detail charges and campus response 

What we know:

Freshman football player D’Hani Cobbs was arrested and charged with seven counts of sexual assault, including rape, according to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office. 

D'Hani Cobb (Delaware County District Attorney's Office)

Prosecutors say the alleged assault happened on December 7 inside Cobbs’ dorm room on the Villanova campus. 

Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said, "This is a violent sexual encounter that happened without consent." 

Investigators allege Cobbs forced a female student to have sex with him despite her telling him "no." 

According to the criminal complaint, the victim reported repeatedly telling Cobbs to stop, and authorities say Cobbs later sent messages to the victim apologizing and asking to talk. 

"There was an interview that took place with Mr. Cobbs," Rouse said. "He acknowledges there was an encounter and he says it’s consensual, and we believe differently." 

Rouse also said, "We believe those texts are incriminating. They’re included in the complaint and help our case to prove he knew what he did." 

Villanova University confirmed Cobbs was removed from campus after the incident was reported. 

His biography has also been removed from the Villanova Wildcats football website. 

Villanova University sent the following statement to FOX 29:

"On Friday, Jan. 30, Villanova University Police arrested and charged Villanova student D’Hani Cobbs with the sexual assault of another University student stemming from a December 2025 incident. Once the University learned of the incident, campus police launched an investigation, notified the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, and the alleged assailant was removed from campus. Sexual violence of any kind is not tolerated on our campus and we are committed to both supporting the victim and fostering a safe environment for all of our students. We are deeply troubled any time we receive reports of such misconduct, as our priority is, and always has been, to ensure we have a safe community for our students, faculty, and staff." 

Students react to charges and campus safety concerns 

What they're saying:

"It was really horrifying," said Villanova student Kathleen Mullen. "I just think that we should be more careful knowing who’s walking around us on campus, because there could be so many more that weren’t reported." 

Another student, Julia Knuth, said, "It’s definitely upsetting that you never really know what somebody has done or is going through." District Attorney Rouse said, "No means no. Stop means stop. This could’ve been very easily avoided." 

What's next:

Cobbs is scheduled to return to court on February 12.

FOX 29 reached out to Cobbs’ attorney, but calls and requests for comment were not returned.