Louisville, KY - The United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Coaches Association (USILA) has put the two-time defending national champion Adelphi men's lacrosse program atop the preseason poll, announced this week, in addition to seven preseason All-Americans.

The Panthers received all 19 first place votes to appear at the top of the poll, leading three other Northeast 10 conference schools in the top-20. Saint Anselm, who fell to the Cats in the national semifinal in the last two seasons check in at no. 3 with Pace and Bentley at no. 9 and no. 15, respectively. 

Head Coach Gordon Purdie's 2026 slate features eight program inside the top-20, including first-time matchups with no. 5 Wingate and no. 6 Seton Hill. 

Adelphi led the Preseason All-American list with seven selections including five First Team choices. 

Braden Donnellan, Kyle Lewis, Ries Bower and newcomer Carter Linkletter were all recognized on the first team, coming off a 2025 season where they won their respective major award positions, given out by the USILA. Joining the quartet is senior defenseman Michael D'Alessandro who picked up second team All-American honors at the conclusion of last season. 

Noah Gibson, who set the single season goals record in 2025, returns as a preseason second team choice and the honors are rounded out with Ryan Bauco on the third team. 

The Cats are set to open their campaign on the road with a neutral game against Walsh University on the campus of Frostburg State on Feb. 13, before taking on the Bobcats on Feb. 15.