Honestly, if you're a Johns Hopkins fan, you've probably spent the last few months staring at the calendar and wondering if this is the year the Blue Jays finally reclaim their spot at the absolute top of the mountain. The 2026 season isn't just another year in Baltimore. It’s a statement. Peter Milliman is entering his sixth season at the helm, and the Hopkins men’s lacrosse schedule for 2026 is a gauntlet that would make most programs shiver.
We're talking about 13 regular-season games. Eight of them are at Homewood Field. That’s a massive deal because, if you remember last year, the Jays were practically road warriors, playing only five games on their own turf. This year, the "Homewood Magic" needs to be real.
The January Surprise and the Non-Conference Grind
Let's talk about the weirdest part of the schedule first. Johns Hopkins is playing a meaningful lacrosse game in January. Like, actually January. On January 31, Robert Morris comes to Baltimore. It’s the first time in the history of the program—a program that’s been around since 1883—that they’ve played a regular-season game before February.
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It’s kind of a "warm-up," but not really. Robert Morris isn't a pushover, and the Jays can't afford a slow start. Before that, they’ve got a scrimmage against UMBC on January 24 to shake off the rust.
The February slate is where things get spicy. You've got:
- Feb 7: At Georgetown. A classic DC-Baltimore clash.
- Feb 10: Towson at home. A Tuesday night game? Those are always chaotic.
- Feb 14: Loyola Maryland. The Battle of Charles Street. It’s Valentine’s Day, but there won’t be any love lost on that field.
Then the bus rides start. Hopkins heads to North Carolina on February 21 and Virginia on February 28. If you want to know if this team is "Final Four" material, those two weekends will tell you everything. Virginia is basically a perennial powerhouse, and playing them in Charlottesville is a nightmare for any defense.
March Madness (Before the actual Tournament)
March at Homewood is going to be electric. The Jays have a three-game homestand that features Syracuse on March 7 and Navy on March 14.
Syracuse is... well, it’s Syracuse. The rivalry is legendary. Most people think the Big Ten is the only thing that matters now, but ask any old-school Hopkins alum—beating the Orange is a requirement, not a suggestion.
Then, on March 21, the Big Ten season officially kicks off at home against Michigan. This is where the intensity shifts. The Big Ten is a meat grinder. Every single game feels like a playoff game because, quite frankly, they usually are.
The Big Ten Gauntlet and That Rivalry
The end of the Hopkins men’s lacrosse schedule is a sprint through the best of the Big Ten.
- March 27: At Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights are hosting the Big Ten Tournament this year, so they’ll be looking to protect their home turf.
- April 4: Penn State at home. The Nittany Lions always play Hopkins tough.
- April 10: At Ohio State. A Friday night under the lights in Columbus.
- April 18: Maryland. Homecoming.
Let's pause on the Maryland game. It's the 100-and-something-th meeting between these two. It's the greatest rivalry in the sport, period. Last year, Maryland was the NCAA runner-up, and they always seem to have a target on the Blue Jays' backs. Having this game at Homewood for Homecoming is a gift from the schedule-makers. It’s the regular-season finale, and it usually decides who gets a first-round bye in the conference tournament.
What You Should Actually Watch For
People get caught up in the wins and losses, but if you're watching the Hopkins men’s lacrosse schedule play out, keep an eye on the depth. Milliman has been building this roster for years. With guys like Quintan Kilrain anchoring the defense and Matt Collison in the midfield, the talent is there.
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But the schedule is heavy. Eight of their 13 opponents made the NCAA tournament last year. Three of them—Maryland, Virginia, and Syracuse—are basically expected to be in the hunt for a title every single May. There are no "off" weeks. Even the Towson game on a Tuesday is a trap.
The Big Ten Tournament starts April 25. Every team in the conference makes it now, which is a bit controversial, but it means the regular season is all about seeding. You want those top two spots to get the bye. The semifinals and championship are at Rutgers on April 30 and May 2.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Buy your Maryland tickets now. Homecoming at Homewood sells out faster than you'd think. Don't wait until April.
- Watch the mid-week games. The Towson game on Feb 10 is a great chance to see the younger guys get some run before the heavy hitters arrive in March.
- Keep an eye on the ESPN networks. All home games are scheduled for the ESPN family (ESPNU or ESPN+). If it's not on your TV, it's definitely streaming.
- Check the weather for the Virginia game. February in Charlottesville can be anything from 60 degrees to a blizzard. It usually impacts the pace of the game significantly.
The road to Memorial Day starts in January this year. It's a weird, fast-paced, and incredibly difficult path, but that's exactly how Hopkins likes it.
Go get your gear ready and mark your calendars for the RMU opener. The quest for number 45 starts soon.