The 2025 NCAA lacrosse tournament is underway, bringing together the nation’s top college teams in a thrilling fight for the national title. From seasoned powerhouses to rising underdogs, fans can expect drama, skill, and unpredictable moments throughout May. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know for this year's tournament, including key matchups, schedules, and where to catch all the action.

What Is the NCAA Lacrosse Tournament?

The NCAA lacrosse tournament is the annual postseason event where men’s and women’s college lacrosse teams compete for the championship. Teams earn their spots through conference titles and at-large selections, then face off in a single-elimination bracket. The men’s tournament brings together 16 top programs, featuring legendary coaches, future pros, and plenty of surprises.

Must-Watch First-Round Matchups

This year’s tournament features several enticing first-round matchups. According to Quint Kessenich’s comprehensive preview for Lacrosse All Stars, every men’s game will air on ESPN platforms. Fans can tune in as Richmond battles North Carolina, Towson faces off with Princeton, and Colgate tries to upset Penn State. Notre Dame vs Ohio State headlines Sunday’s action, promising one of the tightest opening contests in recent memory.

Highlights from Quint Kessenich include:

• Richmond enters on an eight-game win streak, boasting both top offense and defense.
• Princeton, loaded with skilled attackers, looks to shake off recent playoff struggles.
• Cornell is considered a heavy favorite against Albany, aiming to cement their top-seed status.
• Georgetown vs Duke pits elite passing against a rock-solid defense.

For a detailed breakdown of team strengths and storylines, explore the full first-round analysis here.

NCAA Lacrosse Tournament 2025 Schedule and How to Watch

All tournament games—starting from May’s first weekend—will be broadcast on ESPN family networks. Most first-round games air on ESPNU, with select matchups on ESPN2. You can also stream games on popular services such as DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, and Sling. Many streaming platforms offer free trials, making it easy to catch every game live.

For those looking to keep up with every fixture, Syracuse.com provides a full guide on how to watch the NCAA men’s lacrosse tournament, including channel listings and streaming links.

Key Dates:

• First Round: May 10–11
• Quarterfinals: May 17–18 (at Hofstra and Navy)
• Championship Weekend: May 24–26, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

Women’s NCAA Lacrosse Tournament: Spotlight on North Carolina

The excitement isn't limited to the men’s bracket. The women’s NCAA lacrosse tournament also brings fierce competition, with North Carolina once again a top contender. Coach Jenny Levy’s program, fresh off another ACC title, is aiming for its fourth national championship. Read more about UNC’s dominance and the growth of women’s lacrosse in this feature by 247Sports.

Why the NCAA Lacrosse Tournament Matters

Each May, the NCAA lacrosse tournament showcases the country’s best college athletes, thrilling fans and providing unforgettable moments. From overtime winners to Cinderella runs, the tournament is rich with tradition and passion. Whether you’re a longtime lacrosse follower or a new fan, there’s never been a better time to dive in.

Stay tuned for bracket updates, big-game recaps, and player spotlights as the 2025 NCAA lacrosse tournament unfolds. Don't forget to stream your favorite matchups and cheer on your alma mater or hometown team!