𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆: Notre Dame Men’s Lacrosse is set to face No. 4 Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament

The 2025 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Tournament is set to showcase a thrilling first-round matchup between the University of Notre Dame and No. 4 ranked Ohio State University. Both programs have rich lacrosse traditions, and this game promises to be one for the ages, with national championship aspirations on the line. As the Fighting Irish prepare to take on the Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio, anticipation and excitement are reaching fever pitch among players, coaches, and fans alike.

The NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Tournament is one of the most prestigious events in college sports. Held annually, it brings together the best teams in the nation to compete for the ultimate prize in men’s collegiate lacrosse: the national championship. With a selection committee determining the field of 16 teams, the tournament is a single-elimination format where each game is do-or-die, making every matchup a must-watch.

This year’s tournament is expected to be particularly competitive, with several teams vying for a spot in the coveted Final Four. The first-round games are always pivotal, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament and offering a chance for programs to prove their mettle on the national stage.

Both Notre Dame and Ohio State have seen their fair share of success in recent years. However, it is their respective programs’ trajectories that have made this matchup particularly intriguing. The Fighting Irish, coming off a strong regular-season campaign, will bring a combination of dynamic offensive play and tough defense to Columbus, while the Buckeyes, currently ranked No. 4 in the nation, are poised to make a deep run in the tournament.

Notre Dame has long been considered a powerhouse in NCAA men’s lacrosse. Under the leadership of head coach Kevin Corrigan, the Irish have consistently been among the top teams in the nation. With a program that has consistently made deep tournament runs, including multiple Final Four appearances, Notre Dame has built a legacy of success.

The Irish entered this season ranked highly, and their performance throughout the regular season further solidified their reputation as a team that could compete for a national championship. Notre Dame has a balanced and potent offense, led by standout players who can change the game in the blink of an eye. Additionally, their defense is one of the most disciplined in the country, making them a formidable opponent for anyone in the tournament.

In their journey to the NCAA Tournament, the Fighting Irish have shown resilience and the ability to perform under pressure, making them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament field. The Irish have had several notable wins throughout the season, including impressive victories over top-ranked teams, showcasing their capability to take down elite competition when it matters most.

For Notre Dame, a successful tournament run would cement their place as one of the premier programs in the sport. With a talented roster and the motivation to bring home a national championship to South Bend, they will be looking to make a statement in the first round against Ohio State.

Ohio State, on the other hand, enters the tournament as the No. 4 ranked team, with high expectations surrounding their performance. Under the leadership of head coach Nick Myers, the Buckeyes have become a perennial contender, consistently ranking among the top teams in the NCAA tournament field. Their reputation as one of the most well-coached and disciplined teams in college lacrosse has only grown stronger in recent years, and their performance this season has reaffirmed their place as one of the favorites in the tournament.

Ohio State’s success this season has been largely attributed to their dynamic offense, led by several standout attackmen and midfielders who can make plays in transition and in settled offense. With a potent attack, Ohio State can score in a variety of ways, making them a difficult team to defend against. Additionally, the Buckeyes have an experienced defense that has been solid all season long, ensuring that they will be able to go toe-to-toe with some of the best offensive units in the nation.

The Buckeyes’ well-rounded play and deep roster make them a dangerous team in the tournament, and they are undoubtedly looking to make a deep run. Having made it to the Final Four in recent years, Ohio State will be looking to take the next step and compete for a national championship. A win over Notre Dame in the first round would be a huge statement of intent and would set them on the path toward achieving their ultimate goal.

As with any postseason lacrosse game, the key to victory will lie in the execution of each team’s game plan. For Notre Dame, their ability to shut down Ohio State’s high-powered offense will be crucial. The Irish defense is known for being tough and disciplined, and they will need to stay true to their system in order to contain Ohio State’s attack. If they can disrupt the Buckeyes’ offensive flow and force turnovers, Notre Dame will have a good chance of securing the victory.

On the flip side, Ohio State’s defense will need to find a way to contain Notre Dame’s offense. The Fighting Irish have one of the most balanced attacks in the country, with multiple players capable of scoring from different spots on the field. Ohio State’s defense, led by a stout group of close defensemen and a skilled goalkeeper, will need to stay alert and execute their game plan to neutralize the Irish attack.

A significant factor in this matchup will also be the performance in the faceoff circle. Winning faceoffs and gaining possession is critical in lacrosse, and both teams have strong faceoff specialists who can control the tempo of the game. Whether it’s Notre Dame’s ability to win crucial faceoffs and possess the ball or Ohio State’s ability to win draws and generate fast breaks, the battle at the X will play a pivotal role in the outcome of the game.

When it comes to postseason lacrosse, experience and momentum cannot be underestimated. Notre Dame’s head coach Kevin Corrigan has been at the helm for over three decades and has guided his teams through countless high-pressure situations. His ability to prepare his players for the mental and physical demands of tournament play is one of the reasons why the Irish are perennial contenders. Corrigan’s experience in the postseason will be invaluable as his team faces one of the top-ranked teams in the nation in Ohio State.

On the other hand, Ohio State’s Nick Myers has built a program that thrives on discipline and preparation. Myers’ leadership and the experience of his players will play a key role in Ohio State’s ability to handle the pressure of a first-round tournament game. The Buckeyes’ balanced approach and ability to stay composed in tight situations will be critical against a talented team like Notre Dame.

Momentum could also be a factor in this matchup. Both teams come into the game with a mix of highs and lows, but their ability to perform in the clutch will determine the outcome. If either team can ride the momentum of a strong start or a key run, it could swing the game in their favor.

For both teams, the stakes could not be higher. A win in the first round would propel either team to the next stage of the tournament, bringing them one step closer to the Final Four and a chance at the national title. A loss, however, would mean the end of the season and an early exit from the tournament.

For Notre Dame, a victory over Ohio State would not only provide a major boost of confidence but also solidify their standing as one of the top teams in the tournament field. With the talent they have on their roster, a deep run in the tournament is well within reach, but it all starts with this first-round matchup.

For Ohio State, a win over the Fighting Irish would reaffirm their place as one of the nation’s premier programs. The Buckeyes are hungry for another shot at the national championship, and their experienced roster knows that every game from here on out is crucial to their ultimate goal.

As the 2025 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Tournament begins, the first-round matchup between Notre Dame and Ohio State is one of the most highly anticipated games of the opening weekend. With both teams boasting strong rosters and championship aspirations, this game is sure to be a hard-fought, high-intensity battle. Whether it’s Notre Dame’s disciplined defense or Ohio State’s potent offense, both teams have the talent to advance deep into the tournament. This showdown in Columbus promises to deliver all the excitement and drama that college lacrosse fans have come to expect from the NCAA Tournament.