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Georgetown Today
By the People, for the People
Syracuse Snags No. 1 Spot in USA Lacrosse Division I Men's Top 20
The Orange have moved up to the top ranking after defeating Maryland.
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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Syracuse has taken over the No. 1 spot in the USA Lacrosse Division I Men's Top 20 rankings after defeating previously top-ranked Maryland. The Orange's victory in front of over 10,000 fans at the JMA Wireless Dome marks the first time they have held the No. 1 ranking since March 2020. The rankings saw significant movement elsewhere, with Princeton dropping to No. 13 after losing to Penn State, and Saint Joseph's entering the Top 20 for the first time this season.
Why it matters
The USA Lacrosse Division I Men's Top 20 rankings are a closely watched indicator of the top college lacrosse programs in the country. Syracuse's rise to the No. 1 spot is a significant achievement, as they look to build on their success and make a run at the national championship.
The details
Syracuse defeated Maryland 13-12 in a highly anticipated matchup at the JMA Wireless Dome. The victory propelled the Orange to the top of the rankings, displacing Maryland who had previously held the No. 1 spot. Other notable changes in the rankings include Princeton's drop from No. 3 to No. 13 after losing to Penn State, and Saint Joseph's entering the Top 20 for the first time this season after beating Villanova.
- The last time Syracuse was ranked No. 1 was March 7, 2020.
- The victory over Maryland took place on Friday, February 17, 2026.
The players
Syracuse
The Syracuse Orange men's lacrosse team, a perennial powerhouse in Division I lacrosse.
Maryland
The Maryland Terrapins men's lacrosse team, previously ranked No. 1 in the country.
Princeton
The Princeton Tigers men's lacrosse team, who dropped from No. 3 to No. 13 in the rankings after losing to Penn State.
Saint Joseph's
The Saint Joseph's Hawks men's lacrosse team, who entered the Top 20 rankings for the first time this season.
The takeaway
Syracuse's rise to the No. 1 spot in the USA Lacrosse Division I Men's Top 20 rankings is a testament to the program's strength and their ability to compete at the highest level of college lacrosse. The rankings shake-up also highlights the parity and competitiveness of the sport, with several teams making significant moves up and down the list.
