Most Notable Loss:

CJ Kirst
82 goals, 33 assists, 115 points, 43.2% shooting, 43 groundballs, 22 turnovers, 19 caused turnovers

Top Returning Player:

Ryan Goldstein
43 goals, 50 assists, 93 points, 35% shooting, 41 groundballs, 50 turnovers, 5 caused turnvers

Prediction

I expect Cornell to suffer more losses in 2026 than they did in their national championship winning 2025 season (1 loss). 18-1 with a natty is tough to follow up, especially after losing CJ Kirst.

Most Notable Loss:

Logan McNaney
.590 save percentage in 2026, 55% over his career, 60-12 career record, 4 final four appearances, 3 finals appearances and a national title in 2022.

Top Returning Player:

Eric Spanos & Braden Erksa
They combined for 103 points in 2025. We know Maryland will always be tough defensively, but returning these two will solidify the offense.

Prediction

I don’t bet against Maryland. The odds are they will figure out their way into another final 4 and likely finals appearance. As always, they have lost a bunch of talent, but guys always step up.

Most Notable Loss:

Coulter Mackesy
44 goals, 19 assists, 63 points, 27.5% shooting, 35 groundballs, 22 turnovers, 3 caused turnovers.

Top Returning Player:

Nate Kabiri
32 goals, 29 assists, 61 points, 28.1% shooting, 34 groundballs, 20 turnovers, 1 caused turnover

Prediction

This was a young team a season ago, and they did some damage.  I expect Princeton to be a top 5 team for most if not all of the season. Anything short of a final 4 appearance will be considered a huge loss inside this locker room. They know how good they’re going top be.

Most Notable Loss:

Matt Traynor
44 goals, 17 assists, 61 points, 32.4% shooting, 38 groundballs, 31 turnovers, 3 caused turnovers

Top Returning Player:

Hunter Aquino
16 goals, 21 assists, 37 points, 32.7% shooting, 16 groundballs, 13 turnovers, 2 caused turnovers

Prediction

This team outperformed every expectation I had for them a season ago. They lose 3 of their 4 all-americans, but bring back Aquino, who’s capable of anchoring an offense.

Most Notable Loss:

Owen Hiltz
46 goals, 27 assists, 73 points, 34% shooting, 23 groundballs, 29 turnovers, 6 caused turnovers

Top Returning Player:

Joey Spallina
35 goals, 54 assists, 89 points, 29% shooting, 37 groundballs, 18 turnovers, 6 caused turnovers

Prediction

Losting Hiltz will hurt this team more than most people realize, but the Orange return 8 of their top 10 leading scorers from a season ago. Spallina delivered on his promise to get the Orange back to Memorial Day Weekend. It’s Finals or Bust in 2026.