Notre Dame Ranked No. 1 in USA Lacrosse Division I Men's Preseason Top 20

Two-time defending NCAA champion Notre Dame is No. 1 in the USA Lacrosse Division I Men’s Preseason Top 20, the organization announced Thursday.

Syracuse, looking for its first championship weekend appearance since 2013, checks in at No. 2. Princeton, boasting one of the most fun offenses in the game, is No. 3.

A Cornell team with an early candidate for the Tewaaraton Award — CJ Kirst — is No. 4.

At No. 5, Virginia enters the season looking to pass the torch from Connor Shellenberger to McCabe Millon.

Notre Dame has won back-to-back national titles, and its greatest competition for another could come from some programs that historically know a thing or two about extended runs.

Syracuse, Princeton and Cornell have all enjoyed extended reigns atop the sport, though the last time any of them won a championship came when Syracuse won the second of back-to-back crowns in 2009.

But don’t forget about Virginia and Maryland (No. 6), which both tend to bring their best in May.

Notre Dame has the pieces to win a national championship, but it isn’t the only one with the ability to do so.

Preseason rankings are compiled by USA Lacrosse Magazine staff and contributors with consultation from college coaches.

USA LACROSSE DIVISION I MEN’S
PRESEASON TOP 20

1. Notre Dame
2. Syracuse
3. Princeton
4. Cornell
5. Virginia
6. Maryland
7. Duke
8. Yale
9. Johns Hopkins
10. Denver
11. Towson
12. Penn
13. Penn State
14. Georgetown
15. Army
16. Michigan
17. North Carolina
18. Harvard
19. Ohio State
20. Lehigh

Also considered (alphabetical order): Colgate, Providence, Richmond, UAlbany, Villanova