--- title: 10 Predictions for the 2025 NCAA Lacrosse Season description: The 2025 NCAA season is a week away, here are my 10 predictions for the upcoming season. image: https://www.1stclasslax.com/hubfs/2025%20Blog/10%20Predictions%20Blog%20Final.jpg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2025-college-lacrosse-season-10-predictions#main-content) [![First Class Lacrosse, Deemer Class, Best In Class](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2026%20Logo/Primary%20Logo%20with%20Trademark.png?width=990&height=660&name=Primary%20Logo%20with%20Trademark.png "First Class Lacrosse, Deemer Class, Best In Class")](https://www.1stclasslax.com/) [![First Class Lacrosse, Deemer Class, Best In Class](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2026%20Logo/Primary%20Logo%20with%20Trademark.png?width=990&height=660&name=Primary%20Logo%20with%20Trademark.png "First Class Lacrosse, Deemer Class, Best In Class")](https://www.1stclasslax.com/) - [About Us](https://www.1stclasslax.com/about) - Events - Best In Class - [Winter 2026 Women's Committed](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-committed-womens) - [Winter 2027 Men's & Women's Showcase](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-winter) - [Summer 2027 Men's & Women's](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class) - [Summer 2027 BI3 Showcase Men's](https://www.1stclasslax.com/bi3) - [Summer 2027 Sixes Women's](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-committed-sixes) - [Event Hotel Information](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-hotels) - [High School Nationals](https://www.1stclasslax.com/high-school-nationals) - [Summer Camp](https://www.1stclasslax.com/summer-camp) - [Trainings](https://1stclasslax.sprocketsports.com/all-programs/category/1756) - [Athlete Program](https://www.1stclasslax.com/athlete-program) - [Coaches Membership](https://www.1stclasslax.com/coaches-membership-community) - [Media](https://www.1stclasslax.com/media) - [Shop](https://shop.1stclasslax.com/collections/all?utm_source=1stclasslax.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=merch) [Member Login](https://login.circle.so/sign_in?request_host=first-class-lacrosse.circle.so) [Support](https://www.1stclasslax.com/about/faqs) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu ![FirstClass-Logo-web\_7e1a2719-Aug-04-2022-06-00-10-36-PM](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/FirstClass-Logo-web_7e1a2719-Aug-04-2022-06-00-10-36-PM.png?width=200&name=FirstClass-Logo-web_7e1a2719-Aug-04-2022-06-00-10-36-PM.png)   [Member Login](https://login.circle.so/sign_in?request_host=first-class-lacrosse.circle.so) [Support](https://www.1stclasslax.com/about/faqs) - [About Us](https://www.1stclasslax.com/about) - Events - Best In Class - [Winter 2026 Women's Committed](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-committed-womens) - [Winter 2027 Men's & Women's Showcase](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-winter) - [Summer 2027 Men's & Women's](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class) - [Summer 2027 BI3 Showcase Men's](https://www.1stclasslax.com/bi3) - [Summer 2027 Sixes Women's](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-committed-sixes) - [Event Hotel Information](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-hotels) - [High School Nationals](https://www.1stclasslax.com/high-school-nationals) - [Summer Camp](https://www.1stclasslax.com/summer-camp) - [Trainings](https://1stclasslax.sprocketsports.com/all-programs/category/1756) - [Athlete Program](https://www.1stclasslax.com/athlete-program) - [Coaches Membership](https://www.1stclasslax.com/coaches-membership-community) - [Media](https://www.1stclasslax.com/media) - [Shop](https://shop.1stclasslax.com/collections/all?utm_source=1stclasslax.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=merch) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/firstclasslacrosse) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/firstclasslacrosse/) [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-class-lacrosse?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F) [X](https://twitter.com/firstclasslax_?s=20&t=E0teTtYfCs-3LdkMj5A7hw) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@firstclasslax?sub_confirmation=1) [Tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@firstclasslacrosse) 4 min read # 10 Predictions for the 2025 NCAA Lacrosse Season [![Picture of Adam Lamberti](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/6ebfa5b7ee4d8dd7b870411fe5a1cd7d) Adam Lamberti](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/author/adam-lamberti) : Published January 24, 2025 Updated October 26, 2026 [NCAA](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/ncaa) ![10 Predictions for the 2025 NCAA Lacrosse Season](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2025%20Blog/10%20Predictions%20Blog%20Final.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&name=10%20Predictions%20Blog%20Final.jpg) The NCAA season is a week away, so here are my 10 predictions for the season. ## **#1: the preseason top four teams will make the final four** Notre Dame, Syracuse, Cornell and Princeton. Forgive me for my conservative take, but I truly believe these teams will separate themselves from the pack and will all end up at Memorial Day weekend. For a more in-depth analysis on each team, check out the full team previews below: - [Notre Dame 2025 Season Preview](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2025-college-lacrosse-season-preview-notre-dame) - [Syracuse 2025 Season Preview](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2026-college-lacrosse-season-preview-syracuse) - [Cornell 2025 Season Preview](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2025-college-lacrosse-season-preview-cornell) - [Princeton 2025 Season Preview](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2025-college-lacrosse-season-preview-princeton) ## **#2: duke's offense will be more efficient without brennan o'neill** Is it possible that a Duke offense can get more consistent in an era without Brennan O’Neill? In 2024, Duke’s assisted goal rate was 52.7%, compared to the 2024 final four teams below. > Duke's 2024 assisted goal rate: 52.7% > > Compared 2024 Final Four Teams > ND: 60.2% > UMD: 62.4% > UVA: 62.5% > Denver: 58.7% > > Could this explain some of Duke's offensive inconsistency? [pic.twitter.com/sO224yg4Zc](https://t.co/sO224yg4Zc) > > — Adam Lamberti (@atlamberti) [November 27, 2024](https://twitter.com/atlamberti/status/1861845037186732460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [![Blog Digital Offerings (1100 x 250 px) (2)](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Digital%20Offerings%20(1100%20x%20250%20px)%20(2).png?width=1040&height=236&name=Blog%20Digital%20Offerings%20(1100%20x%20250%20px)%20(2).png)](https://www.1stclasslax.com/coaches-membership-community) These numbers make sense, meaning sometimes Duke would live and die on the unassisted goal, which ties to a lot of the conversation around O’Neill. If the offense was doing well, it’s because O’Neill was playing well, beating his matchup, and hitting his shots. If the offense was bad, O'Neill's lack of involvement dominated storylines. So for the first time in four years, it feels like Duke doesn’t have a certified superstar on their roster. And perhaps this is a good thing for Duke. I think in 2025 we could see a more consistent (and efficient) offense that focuses on drawing slides and moving the ball quickly rather than thinking O'Neill or someone else needs to be superman and take the game over. Read Duke's full 2025 preview below: - [Duke 2025 Season Preview](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2025-college-lacrosse-season-preview-duke) **#3: ben wayer will be a tewaaraton finalist** The last pole to be a Tewaaraton finalist was Matt Landis in 2016. Ben Wayer could snap that drought. A difference maker on both sides of the field, the Tewaaraton race will still feature a lot of attackmen, but Wayer could make a case to be a finalist with another strong season. > Could [@UVAMensLax](https://twitter.com/UVAMensLax?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)'s Ben Wayer be the first pole since 2016 (Matt Landis) to be a [@Tewaaraton](https://twitter.com/Tewaaraton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) finalist in 2025? [pic.twitter.com/OGI2F8dAuB](https://t.co/OGI2F8dAuB) > > — Adam Lamberti (@atlamberti) [December 30, 2024](https://twitter.com/atlamberti/status/1873784123409784843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ## **#4: Benn johnston will be a first team all-american** Johnston has the highest potential of any midfielder I've seen in a long time. He just looks *different* out there. The way he shoots the ball both with his feet set and on the move is just *different*. And this was as a freshman in 2024. I've already mentioned I think Duke's offense will be more efficient in 2025, and Johnston will be a massive reason why. > Benn Johnston will be a 1st Team All-American in 2025. [pic.twitter.com/zSD9QkGOfC](https://t.co/zSD9QkGOfC) > > — Adam Lamberti (@atlamberti) [September 4, 2024](https://twitter.com/atlamberti/status/1831475553049964634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ## **#5: virginia will miss the ncaa tournament** One of my spicier takes, I'm just not seeing it this year with the Cavaliers. I know it's probably silly to count out a Lars Tiffany led squad, but on paper, the offense isn't going to be near where it was in years past. McCabe Millon will likely be a star, but there seems to be too little secondary support beyond that. The defense and middle of the field will be solid, but in a tough ACC, there's a legitimate chance UVA misses out on a tournament bid. Read UVA's full season preview below: - [Virginia 2025 Season Preview](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2025-college-lacrosse-season-preview-uva) ## **#6: four ivy league teams make the ncaa tournament** Last year, only one Ivy League team made the NCAA tournament, and that was conference winner Princeton. I think the Ivy League will have Cornell, Princeton and Yale make the tournament this year, as well as Harvard as one of my dark horse teams to make a run in the NCAA Tournament. Read the full previews below - [Yale 2025 Season Preview](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2025-college-lacrosse-season-preview-yale) - [Harvard 2025 Season Preview](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2025-college-lacrosse-season-preview-harvard) - [Cornell 2025 Season Preview](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2025-college-lacrosse-season-preview-cornell) - [Princeton 2025 Season Preview](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2025-college-lacrosse-season-preview-princeton) ## **#7: colgate will win the patriot league** Army is the consensus favorite to win the Patriot League in 2025, but I'm very high on the Raiders this season. They return practically everyone, and boast a pair of All-American candidates on offense in Rory Conner and Hunter Drouin while LSM Max Yates is a Preseason Third Team All-American.  Colgate lost 18-17 to Boston University in the Patriot League quarterfinals last season, and I think this is the season they put it all together. ## **#8: albany advances to the ncaa quarterfinals** While they lost to Notre Dame in the first round in 2024, I came away super impressed with Albany. In fact, there's an argument that they gave the Fighting Irish their toughest matchup in the whole tournament. > [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/C_tgA3cvVos/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) > > [A post shared by First Class Lacrosse (@firstclasslacrosse)](https://www.instagram.com/p/C_tgA3cvVos/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) Attackman Silas Richmond is one of the best attackers in the nation, and plenty of young guys got experience last year like attackman Ryan Doherty, midfielders Daniel Kesselring and Jackson Palumb, and goalie Landon Whitney. Now, instead of giving a top team a scare in the first round, they have the talent and depth to win their first round matchup. ## **#9: sam king will win the tewaaraton** While CJ Kirst or Chris Kavanagh are the top two candidates to win the Tewaaraton, I'm going to take a contrarian approach and say King walks away with the award. Posting a balanced 38 goals and 35 assists in 2024, King could elevate those numbers in an improved Crimson offense. The undersized righty always seems to get to his right hand and cashes in on his opportunities, shooting 32.9% for his career. He's most dangerous when attacking from X, where he can curl topside and finish up the hash or use a question mark move on the left side, and is just so fun to watch. > .[@HarvardMLax](https://twitter.com/HarvardMLax?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)'s Sam King & Teddy Malone might be the most underrated duo in all of college lacrosse. [pic.twitter.com/kONJxy9S7y](https://t.co/kONJxy9S7y) > > — Adam Lamberti (@atlamberti) [October 30, 2024](https://twitter.com/atlamberti/status/1851717243417100552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) My other finalists include Kirst, Kavanagh, Wayer and UNC sophomore Owen Duffy. ## **#10: cornell or princeton wins it all** I'm hedging. I tweeted on October 15, 2024 that Cornell would win it all, but I'm still very bullish on Princeton. > I know this is a (very) early, but I really really like [@CornellLacrosse](https://twitter.com/CornellLacrosse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) to win it all in 2025. [pic.twitter.com/8mRsRdzJEG](https://t.co/8mRsRdzJEG) > > — Adam Lamberti (@atlamberti) [October 15, 2024](https://twitter.com/atlamberti/status/1846326191730389170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Cornell has one of the best attack lines in the nation. This is the reason I'm so high on the Big Red. > [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DCNKhQqhEwO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) > > [A post shared by First Class Lacrosse (@firstclasslacrosse)](https://www.instagram.com/p/DCNKhQqhEwO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) But Princeton's isn't too shabby itself with Coulter Mackesy, Nate Kabiri and Colin Burns. > [View this post on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DFJNirvBUVD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) > > [A post shared by First Class Lacrosse (@firstclasslacrosse)](https://www.instagram.com/p/DFJNirvBUVD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) The midfielder returns Chad Palumbo, Sean Cameron and Tucker Wade, and with the addition of top freshman Peter Buonanno, this Tiger offense is scary good.  Is 2025 the Year of the Ivy? It just might be. ### Get Premium content for players, parents or coaches Check out our community and become a member to view drills, webinars, film breakdowns, courses and more. Use code*BLOG15 for an exclusive discount to our membership community on Circle!* **[Join Today 👉](https://www.1stclasslax.com/players-and-parents-membership-community)**     - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### [2025 College Lacrosse Season Preview: Duke](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2025-college-lacrosse-season-preview-duke) [![Picture of Adam Lamberti](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/6ebfa5b7ee4d8dd7b870411fe5a1cd7d) Adam Lamberti](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/author/adam-lamberti) : Nov 30, 2024, 3:19:28 PM The 2025 college lacrosse season is less than three months away! Every week, a new preview of a team will drop leading into the season. This week -... [NCAA](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/ncaa) [Read More](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2025-college-lacrosse-season-preview-duke) #### [2025 College Lacrosse Season Preview: Cornell](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2025-college-lacrosse-season-preview-cornell) [![Picture of Adam Lamberti](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/6ebfa5b7ee4d8dd7b870411fe5a1cd7d) Adam Lamberti](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/author/adam-lamberti) : Nov 7, 2024, 8:04:06 AM The 2025 college lacrosse season is less than three months away! Every week, a new preview of a team will drop leading into the season. [NCAA](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/ncaa) [Read More](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2025-college-lacrosse-season-preview-cornell) #### [2025 College Lacrosse Season Preview: Princeton](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/2025-college-lacrosse-season-preview-princeton) [![Picture of Adam Lamberti](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/6ebfa5b7ee4d8dd7b870411fe5a1cd7d) Adam Lamberti](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/author/adam-lamberti) : Nov 15, 2024, 11:52:30 AM The 2025 college lacrosse season is less than three months away! Every week, a new preview of a team will drop leading into the season. This week -... 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