College Lacrosse Rankings 2025: Complete NCAA Division Guide

Introduction

The 2025 college lacrosse season has delivered exceptional drama, with Cornell claiming their first NCAA championship since 1977 by defeating Maryland 13-10 in a thrilling final. This historic victory has reshuffled the college lacrosse rankings landscape, creating ripples that will be felt well into next season.

For lacrosse fans and prospective student-athletes alike, understanding the current college lacrosse rankings in 2025 provides crucial insights into program strength, championship contenders, and the evolving competitive landscape across all NCAA divisions.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the latest men’s college lacrosse rankings for 2025, explain the methodology behind these rankings, analyze the top programs, and offer expert predictions on how these rankings might shift as we move toward the 2026 season.

NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Rankings 2025: Post-Championship Update

The conclusion of the 2025 NCAA tournament has solidified Cornell’s position atop the college lacrosse world. Here’s the definitive post-championship ranking of the top 20 Division I men’s lacrosse programs:

Analysis of the Top 5 Programs

1. Cornell (17-1): The Big Red’s dominant 2025 campaign culminated in their first NCAA championship since 1977, led by Tewaaraton Award finalist CJ Kirst’s remarkable 6-goal performance in the final. Cornell’s balanced attack and stifling defense held opponents to just 9.2 goals per game while scoring an impressive 14.8 goals per game themselves. Their only loss came against Princeton in a mid-season thriller that they avenged in the NCAA semifinals.

2. Maryland (13-4): The Terrapins’ runner-up finish continues their remarkable consistency at the highest level of college lacrosse. Maryland’s balanced offensive attack, led by Eric Spanos, and their disciplined defensive unit made them championship contenders once again. Their four losses came against top-10 opponents, and they showed tremendous resilience throughout the NCAA tournament.

3. Princeton (13-4): The Tigers’ explosive offense, averaging 15.2 goals per game, made them one of the most entertaining teams to watch in 2025. Their semifinal loss to Maryland was a heartbreaker, but their season included signature wins over Cornell, Yale, and Penn, establishing them as an Ivy League powerhouse.

4. Ohio State (14-3): The Buckeyes’ surprising rise to #4 in the final rankings comes after their impressive Big Ten tournament run and NCAA quarterfinal appearance. Their defense, allowing just 8.7 goals per game, was among the nation’s best, and their balanced offensive attack made them difficult to prepare for.

5. Notre Dame (10-5): Despite a relatively modest record, the Fighting Irish’s strength of schedule and ACC championship earn them the #5 spot. After winning back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024, Notre Dame remained competitive throughout 2025 despite significant roster turnover.

How College Lacrosse Rankings Are Determined in 2025

College lacrosse rankings aren’t simply based on win-loss records. They incorporate multiple factors and are compiled through various methodologies depending on the ranking system. Here’s how the major ranking systems determine their college lacrosse rankings in 2025:

NCAA RPI (Ratings Percentage Index)

The RPI is the primary metric used by the NCAA selection committee to determine tournament seeding. The 2025 formula breaks down as follows:

• 25% – Team’s winning percentage
• 50% – Opponents’ winning percentage (strength of schedule)
• 25% – Opponents’ opponents’ winning percentage

This formula helps account for strength of schedule, which is crucial in a sport where teams play varying levels of competition. For example, Cornell’s top RPI ranking wasn’t just about their 17-1 record, but also about the quality of their opponents, particularly in the highly competitive Ivy League.

Coaches Poll Methodology

The USILA Coaches Poll surveys Division I head coaches each week, asking them to rank the top 20 teams based on:

• Current season performance
• Quality wins and losses
• Eye test (how teams look in gameplay)
• Roster talent and depth

In 2025, approximately 40 Division I coaches participate in this weekly poll, making it one of the most respected ranking systems in college lacrosse.

Media Rankings Process

Media rankings, such as Inside Lacrosse’s Media Poll and USA Lacrosse Magazine’s rankings, are compiled by surveying journalists, broadcasters, and analysts who cover college lacrosse. These rankings often incorporate:

• Game results and statistics
• Strength of schedule
• Quality wins
• Margin of victory (though this is weighted to prevent running up scores)
• Program momentum and trajectory

Key Differences Between Ranking Systems

While all ranking systems evaluate similar criteria, they weight factors differently:

• RPI: Most heavily weights strength of schedule
• Coaches Poll: Tends to be more conservative with ranking changes
• Media Rankings: Often more reactive to recent results
• Computer Rankings: Systems like LaxNumbers incorporate advanced statistics and predictive analytics

Understanding these differences explains why a team might be ranked differently across various polls. For example, Army West Point was ranked #3 in the RPI but #7 in the Coaches Poll due to different evaluations of their strength of schedule.

Historical Context: Dynasty Programs and Ranking Trends

To fully appreciate the 2025 college lacrosse rankings, it’s essential to understand the historical context of program success and ranking patterns over time.

All-Time NCAA Championship Leaders

1. Syracuse – 10 championships
2. Johns Hopkins – 9 championships
3. Virginia – 7 championships
4. Princeton – 6 championships
5. North Carolina – 5 championships
6. Cornell – 4 championships (including 2025)
7. Maryland – 3 championships
8. Duke – 3 championships
9. Notre Dame – 2 championships

Cornell’s 2025 championship is particularly significant as it ended a 48-year drought, the longest gap between championships for any program in NCAA lacrosse history.

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Programs with Consistent Ranking Presence

Several programs have maintained a remarkable consistency in the college lacrosse rankings over the past decade:

• Maryland: Hasn’t finished outside the top 10 since 2012
• Notre Dame: Top-15 finishes every year since 2008
• Duke: 15 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances
• Syracuse: 38 NCAA tournament appearances (most all-time)
• Yale: Rising power with top-10 finishes in 6 of the last 7 seasons

Recent Ranking Trends and Shifts

The 2025 rankings reflect several significant trends in college lacrosse:

1. Ivy League Dominance: With Cornell, Princeton, and Yale all in the top 10, the Ivy League has emerged as perhaps the strongest conference in college lacrosse, challenging the ACC’s historical supremacy.
2. Big Ten Emergence: Ohio State’s rise to #4 and the presence of four Big Ten teams in the top 15 demonstrate the conference’s growing strength since adding lacrosse in 2015.
3. Power Concentration: The top 10 programs have increasingly dominated the NCAA tournament, with only one team outside the top 10 reaching the quarterfinals in the past three years.
4. Regional Expansion: Denver’s consistent presence in the top 10 represents the sport’s growth beyond its traditional East Coast strongholds.

As our analysis of NCAA tournament trends shows, these shifts reflect the evolving landscape of college lacrosse, with resources, coaching stability, and recruiting reach playing crucial roles in program success.

Division II & Division III Rankings Spotlight

While Division I programs receive the most attention, the 2025 college lacrosse rankings across Divisions II and III feature exceptional teams and compelling storylines.

NCAA Division II Men’s Lacrosse Rankings 2025

Rank	Team	Record	Conference	Key Player
1	Adelphi	19-1	NE-10	Michael Giannakopoulos
2	Mercyhurst	18-2	GMAC	Koby Ginder
3	Tampa	17-3	SSC	Jack Grayson
4	Limestone	16-3	SAC	Riley Seay
5	Lenoir-Rhyne	15-3	SAC	Tommy Aguilar
6	Merrimack	14-4	NE-10	Jack Rooney
7	Le Moyne	14-5	NE-10	Evan Kelly
8	Rollins	14-4	SSC	Jackson Colling
9	Mercy	13-5	ECC	JoJo Janavey
10	Indianapolis	13-5	GLVC	Luke Majick

Adelphi’s back-to-back championships under head coach Gordon Purdie have established them as the premier program in Division II. Their championship victory over Mercyhurst showcased their balanced attack and disciplined defense, hallmarks of their sustained excellence.

NCAA Division III Men’s Lacrosse Rankings 2025

Rank	Team	Record	Conference	Key Player
1	Tufts	20-1	NESCAC	Kurt Bruun
2	RIT	19-2	Liberty League	Ryan Barnable
3	Salisbury	18-3	Coast-to-Coast	Jarrett Bromwell
4	York	17-3	MAC	Will Harnick
5	Christopher Newport	17-4	Coast-to-Coast	Andrew Cook
6	Gettysburg	16-4	Centennial	Quintin Kilrain
7	Williams	16-5	NESCAC	Calvin Caputo
8	Union	15-4	Liberty League	Peter Burnes
9	Wesleyan	15-5	NESCAC	Matt Gill
10	Denison	15-4	NCAC	Peter Pittroff

Tufts’ dominant 2025 campaign culminated in their fourth NCAA championship, cementing their status as a Division III dynasty. Their high-powered offense, averaging 19.2 goals per game, set a new Division III record for scoring efficiency.

Key Differences from Division I

While the fundamentals remain the same across all NCAA divisions, several key differences distinguish Division II and III lacrosse from their Division I counterparts:

1. Scholarship Structure: Division I programs offer up to 12.6 scholarships, Division II up to 10.8, while Division III prohibits athletic scholarships entirely.
2. Resource Allocation: Division I programs typically have larger coaching staffs, better facilities, and more extensive travel budgets.
3. Recruiting Pipelines: Division I programs recruit nationally and internationally, while Division II and III programs often focus more regionally.
4. Playing Style: Division III lacrosse often features more scoring and faster play, with the 2025 Division III tournament averaging 27.8 total goals per game compared to 23.1 in Division I.

As our comprehensive guide to NCAA divisions explains, each division offers unique opportunities and challenges for student-athletes.

Championship Predictions Based on Current Rankings

With the 2025 season concluded, early predictions for 2026 are already taking shape based on returning talent, recruiting classes, and program momentum.

Early Favorites for 2026

1. Cornell: With CJ Kirst returning for his final season and a strong recruiting class, the Big Red are positioned to defend their title.
2. Maryland: The Terrapins’ runner-up finish and strong returning core make them perennial contenders.
3. Princeton: The Tigers’ explosive offense returns largely intact, giving them championship potential.
4. Notre Dame: After a “down” year by their recent standards, the Fighting Irish are poised for a resurgence with an elite recruiting class.
5. Duke: The Blue Devils’ combination of returning talent and the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class puts them firmly in the championship conversation.

Dark Horse Candidates

Several programs outside the current top 5 have the potential to make significant moves in the 2026 college lacrosse rankings:

• Yale: With 9 of 10 starters returning, the Bulldogs could challenge for Ivy League supremacy.
• Georgetown: The Hoyas’ defensive unit, which allowed just 9.1 goals per game in 2025, returns intact.
• Johns Hopkins: The Blue Jays’ young core gained valuable experience in 2025 and could mature into championship contenders.
• Virginia: Never count out the Cavaliers, who have consistently recruited at an elite level under coach Lars Tiffany.

As our analysis of recruiting trends indicates, the increasing parity in college lacrosse makes championship predictions increasingly difficult, but these programs have positioned themselves well for 2026 success.

Understanding College Lacrosse Rankings: FAQ

How are college lacrosse rankings calculated?

College lacrosse rankings are determined through various methodologies depending on the ranking system. The NCAA’s primary metric is the RPI (Ratings Percentage Index), which combines a team’s winning percentage (25%), their opponents’ winning percentage (50%), and their opponents’ opponents’ winning percentage (25%). Other ranking systems like the Coaches Poll and Media Poll are based on votes from coaches and media members respectively, who consider factors like results, strength of schedule, eye test, and program momentum.

How often do college lacrosse rankings update?

Most college lacrosse rankings update weekly during the regular season, typically on Monday or Tuesday following weekend games. The NCAA releases official RPI rankings less frequently, often bi-weekly, while providing the final RPI before tournament selection. Preseason rankings are typically released in January before the season begins in February.

Which conference has the strongest representation in the 2025 rankings?

The Ivy League emerged as the strongest conference in the 2025 college lacrosse rankings, with four teams in the top 15 (Cornell, Princeton, Yale, and Harvard) and Cornell winning the national championship. The ACC and Big Ten follow closely, each with three teams in the top 10.

How do rankings impact NCAA tournament selection?

While rankings themselves don’t directly determine NCAA tournament selection, they often correlate with the selection criteria. The NCAA selection committee uses the RPI, strength of schedule, head-to-head competition, common opponents, and significant wins and losses to determine the 18-team field. Conference champions receive automatic bids, while the remaining teams are selected at-large based on these criteria.

Are there separate rankings for women’s college lacrosse?

Yes, women’s college lacrosse has its own distinct ranking systems, including the IWLCA Coaches Poll, Media Poll, and NCAA RPI. These rankings follow similar methodologies to the men’s rankings but evaluate women’s programs independently. In 2025, Boston College, North Carolina, and Northwestern led the women’s college lacrosse rankings.

Conclusion: The Evolving Landscape of College Lacrosse

The 2025 college lacrosse rankings reflect a sport in dynamic evolution, with traditional powerhouses maintaining their prominence while new challengers emerge across all divisions. Cornell’s championship breakthrough after a 48-year drought demonstrates that with the right leadership, recruiting strategy, and player development, any program within the top tier can ascend to championship heights.

As we look ahead to the 2026 season, several key trends will likely shape the college lacrosse rankings landscape:

1. The continued geographic expansion of the sport beyond its traditional East Coast base
2. Increasing parity among top programs due to transfer portal mobility
3. The growing influence of advanced analytics in team strategy and player evaluation
4. The impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities on recruiting and roster retention

For fans, players, and prospective recruits, understanding these college lacrosse rankings provides valuable context for program evaluation and performance expectations. The rankings tell a story not just of who’s on top today, but of how the competitive landscape continues to evolve in one of college sports’ most dynamic environments.

Whether you’re following the sport’s elite programs or discovering emerging contenders, the college lacrosse rankings for 2025 offer a window into a thrilling sport that combines athletic excellence, strategic sophistication, and rich tradition.

What are your thoughts on the 2025 rankings? Which programs do you expect to rise or fall in 2026? Share your predictions in the comments below, and check out our complete guide to college lacrosse recruiting for insights on how these top programs build their rosters.

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Sources:

• NCAA Men’s Lacrosse RPI Rankings
• Inside Lacrosse Media Poll
• USA Lacrosse Division I Men’s Top 20
• NCAA Championship History
• LaxNumbers College Rankings Methodology
• Cornell 2025 Championship Recap
• NCAA Division II Championship Results