Cornell Finishes Season No. 1 After Ending 48-Year Title Drought

May 28, 2025

USA Lacrosse Magazine Staff

Rich Barnes

After breaking a 48-year national championship drought, Cornell finishes the 2025 season atop the USA Lacrosse Division I Men's Top 20.

CJ Kirst deposited six goals on Memorial Day, leading the Big Red to a 13-10 win over Maryland in front of the biggest championship game crowd since 2011. The likely Tewaaraton Award favorite, Kirst was held without a goal in the national semifinals before exploding for a memorable performance.

Maryland checks in at No. 2 following yet another championship weekend run by John Tillman and his staff. Penn State, which beat Cornell earlier this year and gave the Big Red a challenge in the semifinals, is No. 3. Syracuse, the last of the final four teams, is No. 4.

Continue below to see the entire Top 20, which is compiled by USA Lacrosse Magazine staff and contributors.

USA LACROSSE DIVISION I
MEN'S TOP 20

1. Cornell
2. Maryland
3. Penn State
4. Syracuse
5. Princeton
6. Ohio State
7. Notre Dame
8. Richmond
9. Georgetown
10. Army
11. Duke
12. North Carolina
13. Harvard
14. Colgate
15. Towson
16. Michigan
17. Rutgers
18. Boston U
19. Johns Hopkins
20. Virginia

Also considered (alphabetical order): Dartmouth, Denver, Fairfield, Lafayette, Sacred Heart, Siena, UAlbany, Villanova

Written By

USA Lacrosse Magazine Staff

Since 1978, USA Lacrosse Magazine has inspired generations of lacrosse families to love this great game and leave it better for the next. We harness the power of storytelling to help fuel the sport’s growth and enrich the experience of participants.