The 2025 NCAA men’s lacrosse tournament is officially underway, featuring thrilling matchups available across various ESPN platforms. The first round of games kicks off this weekend, highlighted by a marquee contest between Ohio State and Notre Dame on ESPN2. Following the first round, the quarterfinals will unfold at Hofstra and Navy, culminating in NCAA Championship Weekend at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
This year holds significance for several teams. Siena has made headlines by securing the MAAC automatic qualifier for the first time in over a decade, thanks to Pratt Reynolds’ impressive five-goal performance in their 12-8 victory against Sacred Heart. Meanwhile, Albany clinched the America East AQ with a 12-7 win over Bryant, marking their first victory over Bryant since 2015. Similarly, Robert Morris captured the NEC title with a dominant 17-8 win over Detroit Mercy.
The opening round promises intense competition. For example, Richmond, who secured a spot after winning the Atlantic 10 championship, faces #8 North Carolina—a matchup that will test both teams’ grit. The Spiders have shown resilience with a strong offensive and defensive record, while the Tar Heels look to bounce back despite health concerns regarding star player Owen Duffy.
In another exciting clash, Towson, coming off a strong defensive showing to earn their second consecutive CAA title, will face #3 Princeton, known for their offensive skill. Colgate, returning to the tournament for the first time since 2015, will challenge #5 Penn State, seeking to match their high-scoring offense against a seasoned Nittany Lions squad.
As the tournament progresses, the anticipation builds for pivotal matchups like Notre Dame facing Ohio State and Air Force taking on #2 Maryland. Each game presents a unique storyline, with both teams vying to prove their mettle in high-stakes scenarios.
Quint Kessenich, a prominent lacrosse analyst, provides insights into the tournament dynamics, highlighting the players to watch and what fans can expect as the tournament advances. With high-caliber athletes and storied programs competing, this NCAA tournament promises to deliver memorable moments and fresh narratives as teams strive for lacrosse glory.
The potential for underdog victories and matches filled with intensity and strategic play adds to the excitement, inviting fans to rally behind their favorites. All in all, the 2025 NCAA men’s lacrosse tournament is shaping up to be a promising showcase of talent and determination, where each game is a step toward championship dreams.