More than ever, taking stock of the impending NCAA Division III men’s lacrosse season is a challenging exercise.

We’re referencing the COVID-19 pandemic, of course, which has slapped a giant question mark over what awaits this February and March. There’s a tangible level of uncertainty from college coaches themselves, too, as they look around their respective conferences. Fifth-years returning, going nearly a year without games and travel protocols only muddy the waters.

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Yet a framework emerged as we compiled our Nike/US Lacrosse Division III Men’s Preseason Top 20, with familiar faces carrying the national pecking order. We’ll soon find out what competition truly awaits, but here’s an overview of how the landscape is shaping up.

Continue below to see the rest of the top 20. Rankings are compiled by US Lacrosse Magazine staff and contributors in consultation with college coaches.

Nike/US Lacrosse Rankings

Division I Men | Division I Women
Division II Men | Division II Women
Division III Men | Division III Women

NIKE/US LACROSSE
DIVISION III MEN’S PRESEASON TOP 20

1. Salisbury
2. Tufts
3. RIT
4. Wesleyan
5. Ursinus
6. Cabrini
7. Williams
8. Denison
9. Gettysburg
10. Union
11. York
12. Amherst
13. Lynchburg
14. Franklin & Marshall
15. St. John Fisher
16. Middlebury
17. RPI
18. Christopher Newport
19. Washington and Lee
20. Stevenson