The No. 2-seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish will face off against the No. 1-seed Princeton Tigers for the NCAA lacrosse national title on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET. The game will be held at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia, and broadcast live on ESPN.
Why it matters: This championship matchup is a culmination of a successful season for both teams, with Notre Dame seeking its third title in four years. Princeton, a perennial powerhouse, aims to reclaim the championship crown.
Notre Dame has won two NCAA Championships in the last three seasons, capturing titles in 2023 and 2024.
The Fighting Irish have a 33-26 record in their 29 NCAA Championship appearances, demonstrating their longstanding competitiveness.
Both teams have met twice previously, with the series tied at 1-1, and Notre Dame winning the last encounter in 2010.
Driving the news: Notre Dame's impressive postseason run has included victories over ranked teams, solidifying their reputation as a formidable opponent. The Irish have made eight trips to Championship Weekends, including seven since 2010.
Notre Dame holds a 12-1 record over its last four NCAA Tournament appearances, with nine wins by five or more goals.
The Irish have reached the title game on Memorial Day five times, including three in the last four seasons.
Princeton enters the championship after a strong performance throughout the tournament, aiming to secure their first NCAA title since 2001.
State of play: Both teams bring unique strengths to the championship game, with Notre Dame boasting a powerful offense and a tenacious defense, led by standout players.
Notre Dame's defense ranks fifth nationally, allowing just 8.46 goals per game, with standout performances against top teams like Syracuse and North Carolina.
Goalie Thomas Ricciardelli, named the ACC Goalie of the Year, has been instrumental, recording 166 saves this season with a .582 save percentage.
On the offensive side, Josh Yago leads the team with 54 points, followed closely by Luke Miller and Brock Behrman, showing depth in scoring.
The big picture: This championship is about the title and showcases the evolution of both programs in NCAA lacrosse.
Notre Dame's recent success has established them as a dominant force in college lacrosse, consistently competing at a high level.
Princeton, historically one of the strongest programs, looks to return to glory after years of rebuilding.
The matchup highlights the growth of lacrosse as a sport, drawing increased attention and support at the collegiate level.
What they're saying: Analysts and players alike are weighing in on this highly anticipated matchup.
Patrick McEwen noted Notre Dame's pole priority and Princeton's man-down defense, emphasizing tactical matchups that could determine the outcome.
“This is a battle of two elite teams, and it’s going to come down to who executes their game plan more effectively,” said a lacrosse analyst.
Coaches from both sides expressed admiration for each other's programs, acknowledging the challenge ahead.
By the numbers: Key statistics highlight the strengths of both teams heading into the final.
Notre Dame has averaged 13.5 goals per game this season, significantly outpacing opponents.
Princeton's defense has allowed an average of 9.2 goals per game, indicating a balanced approach on both ends of the field.
The faceoff battle will be key, with Notre Dame winning over 50% of faceoffs in seven of their last eight games.
What's next: The championship game will likely be a thrilling contest, with both teams prepared to leave everything on the field.
The opening faceoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on May 25, 2026, with a national audience tuning in via ESPN.
Fans can expect a high-energy atmosphere as both teams vie for the coveted NCAA title.
Following the championship, attention will shift to individual awards, including the Tewaaraton Award, where Notre Dame's Shawn Lyght is a finalist.
This matchup between Notre Dame and Princeton is more than just a game; it’s a clash of titans in college lacrosse, promising excitement and intensity as they battle for national supremacy.