Richmond Lacrosse Reaches No. 1 in USA Ranking

Spiders become first program in school history to top Division I men's poll

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a lacrosse game broken down into overlapping planes of navy, green, and gold, capturing the dynamic action of the sport.Richmond's rise to the top of the national lacrosse rankings showcases the program's growing strength and dominance on the field.Evanston Today

The Richmond Spiders men's lacrosse team has reached the No. 1 spot in the latest USA Lacrosse Division I Top 20 rankings, the first time the program has achieved the top national ranking. Richmond's undefeated 9-0 record, which includes wins over Virginia, Cornell, and Georgetown, has propelled them to the top of the poll.

Why it matters

This historic achievement for the Richmond lacrosse program marks the first time the Spiders have been ranked No. 1 nationally. It showcases the team's dominant performance this season and the growing strength of their lacrosse program, which has emerged as a national power in the sport.

The details

Richmond's defense has been stifling, allowing fewer than 10 goals in six of its last seven games. The team's only undefeated peer in Division I is Sacred Heart, which is 10-0. The Spiders will face a major test this Saturday when they travel to Evanston, Illinois to take on Notre Dame, which was previously ranked No. 1 before losing to Virginia.

  • Richmond has been undefeated through its first 9 games of the 2026 season.
  • The Spiders will play Notre Dame this Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Richmond Spiders

The men's lacrosse team at the University of Richmond, which has reached the No. 1 ranking in the country for the first time in program history.

Notre Dame

The men's lacrosse team at the University of Notre Dame, which was previously ranked No. 1 before losing to Virginia and will now face Richmond in a top matchup.

Virginia

The men's lacrosse team at the University of Virginia, which handed Notre Dame its first loss of the season and has moved up to No. 14 in the rankings.

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What’s next

The Richmond Spiders will face their toughest test of the season so far when they take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a neutral-site matchup this Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The takeaway

Richmond's rise to the No. 1 ranking in Division I men's lacrosse is a landmark achievement for the program, showcasing the team's dominant performance and the growing strength of the Spiders' lacrosse team as a national power in the sport.