2023 Men's Lacrosse - CCIW Preseason Poll

Men’s Lacrosse Picked Second in CCIW Preseason Coaches Poll

Titans look to defend CCIW titles

2/5/2026 10:00:00 AM

NAPERVILLE, Ill. - The Illinois Wesleyan University men's lacrosse team was picked to finish second in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Preseason Coaches Poll, announced by the league Thursday, Feb. 5. The Titans look to defend their CCIW regular season title, having won it the last seven seasons.

Elmhurst topped the poll, the first new name at the top in 10 years, after garnering 24 points behind four first-place votes. IWU followed closely with 22 points, and was the recipient of the other two top-spot honors. Carthage was picked third with 17 points, while Carroll and North Central tied for fourth with 11. Augustana rounded out the poll in sixth place with five points.

The Green and White posted its seventh-straight perfect conference slate (4-0) on its way to its eighth CCIW Regular Season Championship and seventh CCIW Tournament crown. The Titans also made their seventh appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Illinois Wesleyan returns three First Team All-CCIW honorees from a season ago in Timothy McHugh, Billy McHugh, and Karsten Nordlie. The trio were also Second Team Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association All-Region 5 recipients. Billy McHugh represented IWU on the Titans on the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Blatant Division III All-American list, as he was an honorable mention.

The Green and White, led by head coach Zach Iannucci, will officially kick off the 2026 season inside Tucci Stadium, Friday, Feb. 13. IWU hosts Colorado College for its season opener, with action slated to begin at 7 p.m.

2026 CCIW Preseason Men's Lacrosse Coaches' Poll
1. Elmhurst (4 first-place votes), 24 points
2. Illinois Wesleyan (2 first-place votes), 22 points
3. Carthage, 17 points
T4. Carroll, 11 points
T4. North Central, 11 points
6. Augustana, 5 points

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