Image Source: Matt Ferenchick
Key Takeaways
- The University of North Carolina’s men’s and women’s lacrosse teams are expected to have strong seasons in 2026, with the women’s team ranked #1 in the nation and the men’s team ranked #5.
- The women’s team returns several key players, including Tewaaraton Award winner Chloe Humphrey, and has the top-ranked recruiting class.
- The men’s team has four 2025 All-Americans returning, including Brady Wambach, and will enroll a highly ranked recruiting class.
- The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is well-represented in the preseason rankings, with several teams appearing in the top 20 for both men’s and women’s lacrosse.
Introduction to the 2026 Lacrosse Season
As the spring semester gets underway at colleges across the country, the 2026 lacrosse season is set to begin. The University of North Carolina’s men’s and women’s teams are among those preparing to take the field, with high expectations for the upcoming season. According to USA Lacrosse, the women’s team will start the season as the #1 team in the nation, while the men’s team will begin at #5. As the article notes, "the 2025 champ Tar Heels… will go into 2026 as the #1 team in the nation," with the women’s team looking to build on their championship win last year.
Women’s Team Preview
The women’s team is expected to be a dominant force in the 2026 season, with several key players returning from last year’s championship team. Chloe Humphrey, who won the Tewaaraton Award as the nation’s best player, will be back on the field, along with other talented players. The team will also enroll the top-ranked recruiting class, which is expected to add depth and talent to the roster. As the article states, "the 2026 Tar Heels will return several key players from last year’s national champions, including Chloe Humphrey… Also not shockingly, considering how often Jenny Levy’s team has contended in recent years, they’ll also enroll the top-ranked recruiting class." With this level of talent, the team is expected to make a strong run for another national championship.
Men’s Team Preview
The men’s team, on the other hand, is looking to take a step forward after a disappointing exit from the NCAA Tournament last year. Despite losing in the first round, the team showed promise, going 10-5 and returning to the tournament for the first time in a couple of years. With four 2025 All-Americans returning, including Brady Wambach, and a highly ranked recruiting class, the team is expected to improve in the 2026 season. As the article notes, "the 2026 squad is clearly expected to take a step forward… With the amount of talent back and incoming, it’s expected for them to take a jump up in the ACC." The team will face stiff competition in the ACC, with several other strong teams, including Syracuse, Notre Dame, and Virginia.
ACC Representation in Preseason Rankings
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is well-represented in the preseason rankings, with several teams appearing in the top 20 for both men’s and women’s lacrosse. On the women’s side, teams like Northwestern, Boston College, and Duke will provide strong competition for the Tar Heels. On the men’s side, teams like Syracuse, Notre Dame, and Virginia will challenge the Tar Heels for conference supremacy. As the article states, "the #1 team in the men’s preseason poll is Maryland, followed by Syracuse, who are the ACC’s top team in the preseason." With so many strong teams in the conference, the 2026 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for lacrosse fans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the University of North Carolina’s men’s and women’s lacrosse teams are expected to have strong seasons in 2026. With talented players returning and highly ranked recruiting classes, both teams are poised to make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. As the article notes, "here’s to one — or ideally, both — adding to the university’s national title tally in 2026." With the level of talent and competition in the ACC, the 2026 lacrosse season is sure to be an exciting one for fans of the sport.
https://www.tarheelblog.com/unc-lacrosse/50692/unc-tar-heels-lacrosse-mens-womens-2026-season-rankings-preseason-poll-national-championship