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Wildcats Take the Throne, Blue Jays Crash the Top Three
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Women's Lacrosse · Rankings

Wildcats Take the Throne, Blue Jays Crash the Top Three

Northwestern climbs to No. 1 while Johns Hopkins makes the poll's loudest leap, reshaping the national race.

D1Ball StaffWednesday, August 5, 2026

The Wildcats (19-3) ascended to No. 1 in the latest women's lacrosse poll, supplanting the Tar Heels (19-2), who slip to No. 2 after holding the top spot.

The Blue Jays (17-5) authored the poll's biggest statement, rocketing from No. 8 to No. 3 and signaling that the sport's upper tier has a new heavyweight. Not far behind, the Buffaloes (16-4) surged six spots from No. 11 to No. 5, and the Seawolves (19-3) climbed from No. 10 to No. 6 — two programs forcing their way into the championship conversation.

The Midshipmen (20-2) own 20 wins but dropped from No. 4 to No. 7, a reminder that the committee rewards trajectory over totals. Meanwhile, the Minutewomen (16-3) enter the poll at No. 25, the lone newcomer crashing the party. With tournament positioning tightening, the gap between No. 3 and No. 10 is as volatile as it has been all season.

Data via ESPN · Summarized by D1Ball's editorial engine from official statistics.

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