Colorado Boys Lacrosse Preseason Rankings Are Here. Here Is How We See It.

The preseason rankings give us our first real snapshot of how the 2026 boys lacrosse season is shaping up across 4A and 5A.

These rankings reflect returning talent, last year’s results, and how coaches view the field heading into March. Once games start, results will take over and reshape the conversation.

The regular season begins March 5 and runs through May 2. Postseason play starts May 5 for 4A and May 6 for 5A. The semifinals and state championships are set for May 16 and May 18 at Peter Barton Stadium at the University of Denver.

Here is the full preseason poll.

Class 5A

1 Cherry Creek
1 Valor Christian
3 Regis Jesuit
4 Arapahoe
5 Colorado Academy
6 Mountain Vista
7 Fairview
8 Legend
9 Lakewood
10 Ralston Valley

Also receiving votes: Castle View, Chatfield, Cherokee Trail, Denver East, Erie, Mountain Range, Poudre School District, Rock Canyon.

Our Take on 5A

Cherry Creek enters as the defending champion, so the top billing makes sense. Valor Christian sharing the No. 1 spot tells you this is viewed as a two team race at the top, at least on paper.

Regis Jesuit at No. 3 feels steady. Arapahoe, Colorado Academy, and Mountain Vista round out a top six that has experience and playoff expectations.

The real movement could come in the middle of the top 10. Fairview is close enough to challenge upward if they stack early wins. In 5A, the strength of schedule will matter once the Seedings Index is in play.

Class 4A

1 Air Academy
2 Dakota Ridge
3 Evergreen
4 Aspen
5 Cheyenne Mountain
6 Steamboat Springs
7 Golden
8 Resurrection Christian
9 Telluride
10 Battle Mountain

Also receiving votes: Grand Junction, Green Mountain, Lutheran, Middle Park, Mullen, Ponderosa, Prairie View, Thompson Valley, Vail Mountain, Windsor.

Our Take on 4A

Air Academy opens at No. 1 after finishing as runner up last season. Coaches clearly believe they are ready to take the next step.

Dakota Ridge, the defending champion, sits right behind them. That sets up one of the best early storylines in 4A. The team that fell just short starts on top, and the reigning champion begins the year chasing.

Evergreen and Aspen continue to represent strong mountain programs. Cheyenne Mountain and Steamboat Springs give the top half of this bracket real depth.

4A feels open. The separation between No. 3 and No. 10 is not dramatic. A few key wins in March and early April could shift everything once the Seedings Index rankings begin.

What Matters Now

Preseason rankings reflect perception. They are based on what coaches believe before games are played.

After this poll, in season rankings will transition to the Seedings Index once enough games have been completed. From that point forward, wins, losses, and strength of schedule will shape playoff positioning.

Opening day is almost here. Now we find out who turns preseason respect into postseason results.

Rankings and season information sourced from CHSAA.