IRVINE, Calif. - The 2026 men's lacrosse season begins with momentum and unfinished business after an 8–7 overall record and a 6–2 conference mark in 2025. Back-to-back conference finals appearances, highlighted by notable wins over Rollins and Westminster, solidified the program as a consistent contender. With valuable postseason experience returning, the focus now shifts from competing late into May to taking the next step forward.
The year opens immediately with a statement opportunity against Westminster in conference play, followed by a demanding non-conference schedule featuring UAH (University of Alabama-Huntsville), Lees-McRae, Tampa, Embry-Riddle, and Florida Tech. The challenging slate will test depth early and provide important preparation heading into the heart of the conference season.
Offensively, the team returns three of its top four scorers, led by RMAC Attackman of the Year Jeremy Barnes, along with First Team All-RMAC selections Matt Carresi and Max Texter. At the faceoff X, Cade Poe returns after a First Team All-RMAC season in which he won 61 percent of his draws, providing a consistent possession advantage.
Defensively, All-American and RMAC Defenseman of the Year Jake Cloutier anchors the unit, joined by Braden Schneider, who returns after missing much of the 2025 season.
Graduation losses opened the door for the next wave, and the response has been strong. Returning contributors Joseph Switzer, Bergen Anderson, Noah Pillow, Hans Sweatt, and Tony Pucci are ready to take on expanded roles, while a talented transfer class adds immediate impact across the roster. Additions such as Justin Yoon, Jack Lepore, Jackson Crocker, Zane Coda, and others bring experience, athleticism, and competition, complemented by an impressive freshman group led by Alex Torgeson, Asa Davidson, Dawson Loudermilk, Erik Hollis, and Nolan Taylor. With proven production, increased depth, and heightened competition, the 2026 squad enters the season positioned to contend for a championship under head coach Jesse Foss.
The RMAC Preseason Poll will come out in late January, with the Golden Eagles and Westminster expected to challenge RMAC defending champion Colorado Mesa to be king of the hill. Northwest Nazarene debuts in its first season in both the RMAC and at the NCAA DII level in men's lacrosse, with familiar foes Dominican and Adams State also trying to climb the conference ladder.
CUI opens the regular season with a pivotal early conference game against Westminster on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 12 p.m. PT
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