Preseason Favorites
The Atlantic Coast Conference has unveiled its 2026 preseason field hockey poll, positioning the North Carolina Tar Heels as the clear favorite to capture the championship for the second straight year. The Tar Heels earned 73 points, including four first‑place votes, ahead of a tightly contested field.
Virginia followed in second place with 68 points and two first‑place votes, while Duke and Wake Forest each amassed 64 points, tying for third. Syracuse, Boston College, Stanford, Louisville and California rounded out the top nine, each receiving modest point totals.
A Legacy of ACC Excellence
The ACC’s dominance extends beyond the current poll. Of the past 24 national champions, 16 have originated from the conference, and the league has placed at least one team in the final four in 36 of the last 37 seasons. Such consistency underscores the ACC’s reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate field hockey.
Adding to the narrative, eight of the nine ACC programs boasted at least one athlete on the Preseason All‑ACC Team. Duke and Virginia each placed three selections, while Wake Forest contributed two, reflecting the depth of talent across the conference.
Stars Returning to the Pitch
Returning players bring a wealth of experience and accolades. Wake Forest’s Mia Schoenbeck and Mia Montag, alongside Virginia’s Nilou Lempers, were recognized as the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Goalkeeper of the Year, respectively. Their presence promises high‑level competition from the opening matches.
The 2026 NCAA field hockey season kicks off on August 28, featuring eight ACC contests among a slate of 17 games over the first three days. The schedule sets the stage for early showdowns that could shape the remainder of the poll dynamics.
Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the Tar Heels aim to defend their title, while Virginia, Duke and Wake Forest look to close the gap. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether the preseason projections hold true when the NFHCA releases its official rankings on August 25.