NCAA Men’s Hockey 2025–26 Preview: Early Polls & What to Watch

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As the puck drop approaches, the college hockey world has its eyes on the freshly released preseason rankings and the mix of contenders vying for top billing. With defending champion Western Michigan heading the pack in the latest poll, an early look reveals where the power lies and what to keep tabs on this season.

The Contenders: A New King and Familiar Threats

In the USCHO.com Division I Men’s Preseason Poll, the Western Michigan Broncos earned a commanding 29 first-place votes to begin the season ranked No. 1. The defending champions have a target on their backs, and their ability to reload after losing key contributors will be the defining storyline of their season.

Right behind them, Boston University is slotted at No. 2, receiving multiple first-place votes of its own, setting up a potential showdown between the sport’s two new powerhouses. Michigan State claims the No. 3 spot, while Denver at No. 4 and Penn State at No. 5 round out a formidable top five. Penn State, in particular, received three first-place votes, signaling that the Nittany Lions are ready to push their way into the national conversation.

The top 10 is also filled with established programs ready to make a run. Boston College, Maine, Minnesota, Providence, and UConn are all positioned to make noise, reflecting a strong balance across the major conferences and a respect for their returning strength and roster continuity.

Top Storylines to Watch

While the preseason polls set the stage, the season itself will be shaped by a few key narratives.

1. The Burden of the Crown: All eyes will be on Western Michigan. Losing key contributors is inevitable after a championship run, and their ability to reload—especially in net and on the blue line—will determine if they can repeat as the team to beat.

2. Conference Showdowns Matter More Than Ever: With top-tier conferences like the NCHC, Big Ten, Hockey East, ECAC, and CCHA in play, strength of schedule will weigh heavily in the rankings. A midseason gauntlet through difficult league games will be the ultimate test, separating pretenders from true contenders.

3. New-Look Rosters, Fresh Faces: Several top-ranked programs have significant roster turnover due to graduations, transfers, and NHL departures. Teams like BU, MSU, and Denver must integrate new players while maintaining chemistry, and their depth and adaptability will prove crucial in a long season.

4. Goaltending and Defense Are the X-Factors: In college hockey, offense can be streaky, but consistent goaltending and disciplined defense often win titles. The teams that can identify and rely on elite netminders and shutdown defensive units early on might be the ones that go the deepest in the playoffs.

Final Thoughts

The goal for every team now is to stay consistent, weather adversity, win key series, and make a run when it counts. The 2025-26 season officially begins on October 3, 2025, and runs through to the NCAA championship on April 10, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Preseason rankings set the stage, but they don’t decide the season. Western Michigan enters with the target on its back, while Boston University, Michigan State, and Denver will push hard to knock them off. But lurking right behind them could be a surprise team ready to break into the elite. The race is officially on.