Maryland lacrosse has become a powerhouse under coach John Tillman since he took over in 2011. Each year, it seems like they’re gearing up for another big run at the championship.
Ranked No. 1 in the USA Lacrosse Division I Men’s Preseason Top 20, Maryland has a strong defense and some impressive new players from the transfer portal. They’re looking sharp for the upcoming season.
In 2025, the Terps made a splash by reaching the NCAA championship, overcoming some ups and downs along the way. While they lost some key players like attackman Daniel Kelly and goalie Logan McNaney, they brought in new talent. Former Yale attackmen Leo Johnson and Chris Lyons, plus ex-Yale defender Michael Alexander and former Vermont faceoff star Henry Dodge, are all joining the squad. They also have Will Schaller, the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
Syracuse is making waves too, sitting at No. 2 after their first championship appearance in over a decade. The landscape of college lacrosse is shifting, with Princeton, Georgetown, and North Carolina rounding out the top five.
Interestingly, 2025 NCAA champion Cornell starts 2026 at No. 6 after parting ways with stars like Tewaaraton Award winner CJ Kirst. The mix of new talent and strong returns makes for an exciting season ahead.
As fans eagerly talk about these teams on social media, it’s clear that the anticipation is building. Recent surveys show that interest in college lacrosse has surged, with a growing number of fans tuning in for games and following teams online. The sport’s rising popularity suggests a bright future, not just for teams like Maryland and Syracuse, but for lacrosse as a whole.
For more in-depth coverage, check out the latest updates on [USA Lacrosse Magazine](https://www.uslaxmagazine.com).
