Key Takeaways
- The Florida lacrosse team is ranked No. 4 in the 2026 USA Lacrosse preseason poll.
- The Gators will face six opponents among the preseason poll, including defending National Champions and preseason No. 1, North Carolina.
- Florida’s season starts with three straight ranked games, including matches against preseason No. 18 Loyola, No. 13 Michigan, and No. 9 Clemson.
- The Gators are coming off a successful 2025 season, where they went 20-3 and made the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament.
Introduction to the 2026 USA Lacrosse Preseason Poll
The 2026 USA Lacrosse preseason poll has been released, and the Florida lacrosse team has started strong, ranking No. 4 in the nation. This ranking is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication, especially after a successful 2025 season. The Gators will face a challenging schedule, with six opponents among the preseason poll, including the defending National Champions and preseason No. 1, North Carolina. This will undoubtedly be a thrilling season, with the Gators looking to build on their previous success.
Florida’s Challenging Schedule
The Gators will start their season with three straight ranked games, which will be a great test of their strength and endurance. Their first match will be against preseason No. 18 Loyola on February 7, followed by a home game against No. 13 Michigan on February 13. They will then face No. 9 Clemson in a neutral match in Milton, Georgia, on February 21. The Gators will also travel to preseason No. 14 Navy on February 28 and host No. 12 Penn on March 11. A highly anticipated rematch of last season’s Final Four matchup will take place when UF travels to No. 1 North Carolina on March 17. This schedule will be a great opportunity for the Gators to prove themselves and make a strong case for a national championship.
Previous Season’s Success
The Gators are coming off a remarkable 2025 season, where they achieved a 20-3 record and went 5-0 in their first season in the Big 12. They also took home the Big 12 regular season and tournament championship, a testament to their dominance in the conference. The team made it to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament, the third time in program history. This success has set a high standard for the team, and they will be looking to build on this momentum in the upcoming season.
Rankings and Opponents
The 2026 USA Lacrosse preseason poll has ranked the top 20 teams in the nation, with North Carolina taking the top spot. The rankings are as follows: North Carolina (1), Northwestern (2), Boston College (3), Florida (4), Princeton (5), Stanford (6), Virginia (7), Maryland (8), Clemson (9), Johns Hopkins (10), Syracuse (11), Penn (12), Michigan (13), Navy (14), Yale (15), Stony Brook (16), Duke (17), Loyola (18), Denver (19), and James Madison (20). The Gators will face a tough schedule, with matches against some of the top-ranked teams in the nation. They will need to be at the top of their game if they hope to come out victorious against these strong opponents.
Conclusion and Outlook
In conclusion, the Florida lacrosse team is looking strong, ranking No. 4 in the 2026 USA Lacrosse preseason poll. Their challenging schedule will be a great test of their strength and endurance, and they will need to be at the top of their game if they hope to come out victorious. With a successful 2025 season behind them, the Gators will be looking to build on this momentum and make a strong case for a national championship. Fans can follow the Gators on social media using the hashtag #FLax and stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates. The upcoming season is sure to be exciting, and the Gators are ready to take on the challenge.