The 2026 Northeast-10 Conference (NE10) men’s lacrosse preseason coaches’ poll has been released, and once again, one program sits firmly atop the projections. Adelphi University’s men’s lacrosse team has been selected by league coaches as the favorite to win the NE10 title for a third straight season, receiving all available first-place votes and topping the poll with 64 points.

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The Panthers enter the season as the two-time reigning NCAA Division II national champions and are poised for another run at both conference and national glory. Over the past two seasons, Adelphi has posted a 36-6 overall record, including a dominant 16-1 mark in NE10 play. Their sustained excellence has made them one of the premier programs in Division II lacrosse.

Adelphi’s recent success is storied. The Panthers captured back-to-back NCAA Division II titles in 2024 and 2025, a rare feat that elevated expectations entering the 2026 season. Their quest this year isn’t just for a third NE10 title but for an unprecedented third consecutive national championship — a milestone no men’s team at this level has ever achieved.

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The Panthers’ ability to sustain elite performance stems from a blend of returning stars and strategic coaching. While the team does face challenges — most notably replacing graduated goalie Dylan Renner, the 2024 National Player of the Year and two-time National Goalkeeper of the Year — they remain deep and versatile across all facets of the field.

On the offensive end, Adelphi returns standout talents such as attackman Braden Donnellan and midfielder Kyle Lewis, both nationally recognized and capable of turning tight games with explosive playmaking. In front of them, a strong defensive core anchored by close defender Ries Bower and bolstered by transfer Carter Linkletter adds both experience and depth.

NE10 Conference Landscape

Though Adelphi is the clear favorite, the NE10 remains a competitive league with several clubs capable of challenging the Panthers. Saint Anselm College was picked second in the coaches’ poll and garnered one first-place vote, signaling respect for their roster after a deep run in 2025 that included one of the best seasons in program history.

Other conference contenders include Pace University in third, Bentley University in fourth, and Assumption University rounding out the top five in the preseason coaches’ poll. Southern New Hampshire, Saint Michael’s, Franklin Pierce, and American International complete the standings, setting the stage for a full slate of competitive matchups throughout the spring.

This balance underscores the depth of talent across the conference, where each week’s results have meaningful implications for standings, NCAA tournament positioning, and the ultimate goal of appearing in the NE10 Championship Final on May 3rd.

2026 NE10 Men's Lacrosse Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Adelphi
2. Saint Anselm
3. Pace
4. Bentley
5. Assumption
6. SNHU
7. Saint Michael's
8. Franklin Pierce    
9. American International

Key Storylines to Watch

Several narratives will define the Panthers’ 2026 campaign. The biggest question mark revolves around the crease — how Adelphi replaces or redefines its goalkeeping situation without Renner will be a storyline that reverberates all season.

Simultaneously, the continued development of offensive leaders like Donnellan and Lewis, coupled with contributions from newcomers and underclassmen, will be vital to sustaining scoring momentum.

For rivals, knocking off the reigning national champions is the ultimate benchmark. Teams such as Saint Anselm and Pace will aim to prove last season’s performances were more than flashes of brilliance, and that they can consistently compete with the top of the league.

Streaming All NE10 Action on FloCollege

Fans won’t miss a moment of the 2026 NE10 men’s lacrosse season — all conference games will stream live on FloCollege, the official broadcasting partner of the NE10. Whether you’re following the Panthers’ title defense or tracking rising challengers, FloCollege will deliver every matchup.

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