Lacrosse Showdown: Cornell vs Albany Kick Off 2026 Season!

The Anticipation Builds

It's that time of year again! The air is filled with excitement as we dive into the 2026 men's college lacrosse season, kicking off with a much-anticipated showdown between the Cornell Big Red and Albany Great Danes. Set against the backdrop of the prestigious Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium in Albany, lacrosse fans are poised for an exhilarating opening day.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Channel: ESPN+
Stream: Fubo (start your free trial here!)

What's at Stake?

For Cornell, the season holds high stakes as they step onto the field ranked No. 4 in the nation and as defending national champions. However, don't let that fool you. The Ivy League preseason poll has them pegged to finish second—an unexpected position given their roster changes over the offseason.

The Big Red's prospects rest significantly on the shoulders of their star goalie, Matthew Tully, who is taking over as the primary guard for this upcoming season. His performance will be crucial if they want to defend their title. Coupled with All-Americans Ryan Goldstein and Willem Firth, who tallied an impressive 142 points last season, Cornell is looking to start strong.

Albany's Underdog Status

On the other side, the Albany Great Danes may not hold a national ranking, but they shouldn't be underestimated. With back-to-back America East titles under their belt, the Great Danes are here to prove they belong in the conversation. Led by 2025 America East Offensive Player of the Year, Silas Richmond, Albany has the potential to surprise the crowd, especially after their previous encounter with Cornell in last year's NCAA Tournament, where they faced a tough 15-6 defeat.

"Last year's loss to Cornell still stings, but we're ready to show that we've learned and grown. We want to start this season with a statement!" - Silas Richmond

How to Watch

This matchup promises to be a thrilling display of strategy and athleticism. Streaming options abound, making it easy for fans to catch all the action. I suggest taking advantage of that free trial with Fubo—it's a game changer!

The Heart of the Game

In the world of sports, moments like these remind us why we love the game. Whether you're rooting for the defending champions or the underdogs looking to prove themselves, the heart and tenacity displayed will surely resonate. I'm excited to witness how these two teams adapt and strategize. Who will emerge victorious and set the tone for their season?

Stay tuned, because this is just the beginning of an electrifying journey through college lacrosse!