The 2026 men’s lacrosse season swings into motion this Sunday, Feb. 1, as No. 5 ranked North Carolina (USA Lacrosse Preseason Poll) travels to face CAA powerhouse Towson at Noon ET — a compelling early-season matchup that sets the tone for both programs’ title aspirations. Every second of action will be streamed live on FloCollege, giving fans unparalleled access to a clash between two national contenders.

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North Carolina enters the 2026 campaign ranked No. 5 in the USA Lacrosse Preseason Poll, a testament to last year’s success and the talent returning to Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels closed 2025 with 10 wins and a share of the ACC regular season title, and they punched their 34th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.

Head coach Joe Breschi brings back a roster loaded with high-caliber talent, including four USILA All-America honorees in Brady Wambach (First Team), Owen Duffy (Third Team), Ty English (HM), and Dominic Pietramala (HM). This experienced core gives UNC elite firepower across the field, blending scoring threats, face-off dominance, and defensive grit.

UNC’s schedule is among the toughest in the country, but the Tar Heels haven’t flinched. Alongside Towson, their 2026 slate features a gauntlet of top-tier opponents, including Syracuse, Princeton, Notre Dame, Duke, and Johns Hopkins — signaling that every game early and late in the season will be meaningful.

Towson: CAA Favorite with Offense to Match

Towson opens its 2026 journey as the unanimous preseason favorite in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) and is coached to three-peat as conference champions. Towson garnered all six first-place votes in the CAA coaches’ poll, reinforcing its status atop one of the nation’s most competitive mid-major leagues.

The heart of this Towson team is senior attackman Mikey Weisshaar, who was named the CAA Preseason Player of the Year for the second straight season. In 2025, Weisshaar led the conference in goals and points per game, finishing with 48 goals and 72 points while also contributing ground balls and caused turnovers — a complete offensive performer that gives any defense fits.

Towson’s resume last season was impressive: after an early 1-5 start, the Tigers rallied for a program-record 10-game win streak, finished 11-6 overall, and capped the year with a second consecutive undefeated CAA campaign and NCAA Tournament berth. Towson’s offense was relentless — scoring 209 goals, second most in the CAA, and leading the league in man-up scoring percentage.

Towson also boasts Elijah Smith on the preseason All-CAA roster, giving the Tigers defensive versatility and physicality as a midfielder/LSM contributor. This balanced roster — adept at both creating offense and disrupting opposing attacks — makes Towson a dangerous test for any opponent.

Keys to the Game - UNC vs Towson Lacrosse

This UNC vs. Towson matchup is a classic power vs. power contest, pitting one of the nation’s top ACC programs against a dynamic CAA champion:

1. Midfield Momentum

Control in transition and face-off success will likely decide the game’s tempo. UNC’s experience at the X with Duffy and Wambach’s playmaking can help tip possessions, but Towson’s quick-strike attack and ground ball tenacity will keep possession battles scrappy and decisive.

2. Defensive Adjustments

Both defenses have playmakers who can shift momentum. UNC will need to account for Weisshaar’s scoring instincts, and Towson must slow UNC’s multidimensional attack. The team that closes transition lanes and wins the loose ball battles will dictate field position.

3. Goalie Play in Key Moments

Early-season matchups often hinge on timely saves and clearing execution. Goalies for both teams will be challenged by diverse offensive looks — from UNC’s balanced scoring threats to Towson’s CAA-tested firepower.

Why You Can’t Miss This One

This season opener on FloCollege isn’t just a game — it’s a statement matchup. UNC looks to affirm its status as a national contender, while Towson aims to prove its championship pedigree extends beyond the CAA. With high stakes, elite talent, and March looming on the horizon, this matchup promises fast pace, physicality, and high goal totals.

Tune in Feb. 1 at Noon ET on FloCollege — it’s lacrosse at its best.

Streaming All CAA Action on FloCollege

Fans won’t miss a moment of the 2026 CAA men’s lacrosse season — all conference games will stream live on FloCollege, the official broadcasting partner of the CAA. 

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