The road to Memorial Day is officially set, and college lacrosse fans are in for a thrilling ride. The 2026 NCAA men's lacrosse tournament bracket is here, and with it comes the promise of high-stakes action, Cinderella stories, and the relentless pursuit of a national championship. Can Cornell defend its crown and go back-to-back? Will powerhouse Notre Dame reclaim the top spot? Or is this the year a new contender—like a surging Richmond or a battle-tested Princeton—breaks through?
This year's field feels wide open, and the drama starts early. Notre Dame has been the team to beat for most of the season, with its only regular-season blemish coming against Virginia—the very program hosting this year's semifinals and championship game in Charlottesville. The Fighting Irish are chasing their third national title in four years, but standing in their way is a deep, hungry bracket. Princeton looks equally formidable, while defending champion Cornell brings the poise and grit of a team that knows how to win when it matters most. And don't sleep on Richmond, a rising force that has turned heads all season.
The tournament features 18 teams: 10 automatic qualifiers and eight at-large selections. The top eight schools earn national seeds, while the four lowest-ranked automatic qualifiers must survive opening-round play-in games. Those two opening-round matchups tip off just three days after Selection Sunday, setting the stage for a whirlwind postseason.
How to Watch Every Game
All the action will be broadcast across ESPN's family of networks. The first round and quarterfinals will air on ESPNU, the semifinals shift to ESPN2, and the championship game on Memorial Day will be on ESPN. If you're streaming, you can catch every game—including the opening-round contests—on the ESPN app or via fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. It's the perfect way to follow your team without missing a beat, whether you're at home or on the go.
2026 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Tournament Schedule
- Opening Round: May 6 (ESPNU / ESPN app)
- First Round: May 9-10 (ESPNU / ESPN app)
- Quarterfinals: May 16-17 (ESPNU / ESPN app)
- Semifinals: May 23 (ESPN2 / ESPN app) — Charlottesville, Virginia
- Championship: May 25 (ESPN / ESPN app) — Charlottesville, Virginia
As seeds are announced, we'll update the bracket here. For now, gear up, mark your calendars, and get ready for a tournament that promises to deliver everything we love about lacrosse: speed, skill, and the unyielding will to win. Whether you're rooting for a blue blood or a dark horse, this is the month where legends are made.