The road to the NCAA lacrosse championship is heating up as eight teams remain in contention. With several storied programs and a few hungry underdogs, the 2025 NCAA lacrosse quarterfinals promise thrilling matchups and unpredictable outcomes. Let’s break down the key teams, matchups, and what fans can expect as championship weekend approaches.

The 2025 NCAA Lacrosse Quarterfinals: What’s at Stake?

The men’s NCAA lacrosse tournament is a showcase of top collegiate talent, strategic coaching, and intense competition. This year’s quarterfinals feature several perennial powerhouses, including Notre Dame, Maryland, and Syracuse. Meanwhile, programs like Richmond and Georgetown are aiming to make their mark and push for historic firsts.

To see the full tournament schedule and game details, check out USA TODAY's comprehensive NCAA lacrosse quarterfinal preview. Each quarterfinal matchup will air on ESPNU and stream via the ESPN app, allowing fans nationwide to tune in.

Key Contenders and Historic Programs

Notre Dame looks formidable as it seeks an unprecedented third consecutive championship. Despite entering the tournament unseeded, the Fighting Irish dominated in their opening-round victory. Their next challenge is Penn State, a team looking to return to the semifinals for only the second time in its history.

Maryland boasts one of the strongest track records in NCAA lacrosse, with 29 Final Four appearances—including 13 since 2003. The Terrapins, under coach John Tillman, have consistently been a postseason powerhouse and will face off against Georgetown this weekend. For in-depth commentary and expert picks, don’t miss Mike Preston’s NCAA men’s lacrosse quarterfinal predictions.

Other notable programs in this year’s quarterfinals include:

• Cornell: Known for its high-scoring offense and consistent tournament presence.
• Princeton and Syracuse: Storied rivals with dramatic postseason histories.
• Richmond: A rising squad seeking its first-ever Memorial Day Weekend appearance.

Quarterfinal Matchups to Watch

The quarterfinals will be held at two iconic locations: Hempstead, New York, and Annapolis, Maryland. Saturday’s games feature Cornell versus Richmond and Princeton versus Syracuse. On Sunday, Penn State takes on Notre Dame, while Maryland faces Georgetown.

Every team brings unique strengths to the field. For an inside look at each program and further statistics, visit Inside Lacrosse’s detailed quarterfinal breakdown. The article explores each team’s path to this stage, outlines players to watch, and highlights what’s at stake for all eight squads.

What’s Next for NCAA Lacrosse Fans?

With the Final Four on Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, anticipation is building. Whether you’re a longtime college lacrosse enthusiast or a new fan, this year’s tournament offers compelling storylines and opportunities to watch the sport’s future stars.

Stay tuned, follow live coverage, and join the nationwide excitement as the 2025 NCAA lacrosse championship nears its dramatic conclusion. Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making this May!