As February approaches, so does the start of college lacrosse season. There’s nothing quite like playing a spring sport in freezing February weather — it’s part of what makes the game so special and exciting to watch. Every team begins the season with dreams of making it to Memorial Day Weekend, but only four teams will get there. In 2024, Notre Dame stood out as the best team in the country. Will 2025 see a reset? Here are the teams with the best chance of lifting the trophy this year.
Blue Bloods
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The back-to-back national champions are looking to complete a historic three-peat. Despite losing key players like Pat Kavanagh and Liam Entenmann, the Irish remain strong. Returning players include Chris Kavanagh, Jake Taylor, and Devon McLane, among others. In a recent preseason scrimmage, Chris Kavanagh recorded eight assists, signaling his readiness to quarterback the offense and lead the team to another national title.
Princeton Tigers
The Princeton Tigers had a terrific 2024 season and must build on it to reach their goals in 2025. Their entire attack line returns, led by Coulter Mackesy, who contributed to a unit that combined for 156 points last year. If they can push that total into the 200s, they’ll be in great shape. The Tigers’ biggest loss was senior goalie Michael Gianforcaro, who transferred to UNC. With a tough schedule ahead, wins in non-Ivy League games will be crucial for a top-five ranking.
Syracuse Orange
Syracuse’s 2024 season showed promise, even if it didn’t fully meet expectations. Joey Spallina and company are ready to take the next step in 2025 and bring Syracuse back to Memorial Day Weekend. Key returners like Jackson Birtwhistle and Michael Leo bolster their midfield, while attackman Trey Deere, who played box lacrosse with Spallina this summer, could add a new dynamic to their offense. With so much talent, it’s all about putting the pieces together.
Virginia Cavaliers
The Cavaliers had a strong 2024 season but ultimately fell short against Notre Dame, like everyone else. With Connor Shellenberger graduated, McCabe Millon will likely take over as the primary X attackman. He’ll be joined by Griffin Schutz, who has been a midfield leader since arriving in Charlottesville. Both are poised for breakout seasons, and with other key contributors stepping up, don’t be surprised if Virginia is back in championship contention.
Maryland Terrapins
Despite finishing 11-6 and reaching the national championship game, Maryland’s 2024 season felt like a rebuilding year. Coach John Tillman spent much of the season figuring out how to optimize his lineup, and by the end, the team was firing on all cylinders. In 2025, the Terps are ready to hit the ground running. Eric Spanos has moved to attack, his natural position, while Braden Erksa, the team’s leading scorer, returns. Freshman Spencer Ford, a top recruit, will add another layer to their offense, and senior goalie Logan McNaney provides leadership and stability in net. The Terrapins are once again championship contenders.
Dark Horses
Army Black Knights
The Army Black Knights were one of the best teams throughout 2024, earning respect after a big road win against Syracuse. However, their loss to Boston in the Patriot League Semifinals dashed their Memorial Day Weekend hopes. While they’ll miss Reese Burek and Jacob Morin, most of their top offensive players return. If Army can consistently play at their best, they could make a serious run at the title in 2025.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Although the Tar Heels’ 2024 season wasn’t stellar, it showed promise. Owen Duffy emerged as a key offensive leader, and with all top offensive contributors returning, their attack should be even stronger in 2025. On the defensive side, the addition of Michael Gianforcaro, a veteran goalie from Princeton, is a game-changer. Gianforcaro’s experience and skill could solidify UNC’s defense, making them a strong contender for the ACC title.
As the 2025 season unfolds, these teams are set to capture the attention of lacrosse fans across the nation. Whether it’s defending champions like Notre Dame, traditional powerhouses like Maryland and Virginia, or rising challengers like Army and UNC, this season promises excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments.
