Michigan’s Men’s Lacrosse Team Kicks Off 2026 Season
The University of Michigan men’s lacrosse team is set to start its 2026 season on January 31. They’ll play against Mercyhurst at 7 p.m. in the Sweebe Family Athletic Center, a venue chosen due to bad weather expected in Ann Arbor.
What to Expect This Season
Last season, the Wolverines had a solid finish, tying for second place in the Big Ten with a record of 7-7 (3-2 in conference play). This year, they welcome 21 newcomers: 15 freshmen and graduate transfers. The new recruits include seven midfielders, six attackmen, six defenders, a faceoff specialist, and a goalie. Notably, the transfer group features:
- Eliot Dubick (Maryland)
- Kade Goldberg (Georgetown)
- Michael Kelly (Princeton)
- Others from Georgetown and Princeton
Players to Watch
Three Wolverines made the Big Ten Players to Watch list. Senior Hunter Taylor is back for his second year on the list. He’s Michigan’s starting goalie and holds the record for most wins in program history. Last season, he had 21 wins and made a personal-high 18 saves against Rutgers.
Junior CJ Reilly and Nick Roode are also on the list. Reilly played 14 games as a sophomore, scoring four goals and providing three assists. Roode, ranked fourth on the team in scoring, found the net 14 times and provided three assists last season.
Community Impact
Junior Kevin Kearns has been recognized for his community efforts, including organizing a stair climb event that raised $80,000 for families of first responders affected by 9/11. This shows the team’s commitment not just on the field, but also in the community.
Coaching and Future Matches
Head coach Kevin Conry is entering his ninth season and has built a strong program. He has led the Wolverines to two Big Ten Tournament Championships in 2023 and 2024. The team will host five home games this season, including matchups against Maryland and Rutgers.
After the opening game against Mercyhurst, Michigan will head to Marquette for another non-conference clash on February 7.
Lacrosse Trends
In recent years, college lacrosse has gained popularity among fans. According to a report by the NCAA, attendance at men’s lacrosse games rose by 12% last year. This surge reflects increased interest in the sport and its growing significance on college campuses.
With a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, the Wolverines are gearing up for an exciting season. Be sure to keep an eye on their journey this year! For more details, check out NCAA’s official reports on college athletics.
