Northwestern University’s field hockey program has been tabbed the top overall team in the 2026 NFHCA preseason poll, earning a unanimous No. 1 vote for the second consecutive year.
A milestone ranking
The Wildcats’ ascent reflects a period of sustained excellence, having held the preseason No. 1 spot in four of the past five seasons and capturing their third national championship, with back‑to‑back titles in 2024 and 2025 after a double‑overtime victory over Princeton.
Their 2026 slate features eight opponents ranked in the top 20, highlighted by a showdown with No. 3 Princeton and five other Big Ten rivals, and opens with matches against VCU on August 28 and Lafayette College on August 30.
The season‑opening weekend will also include Banner Day and Kids’ Day, offering free admission and giveaways, while all games will be streamed live on B1G+.