Tampa, the defending national champion, is No. 1 in the Nike/USA Lacrosse Division II Men’s Preseason Top 20, USA Lacrosse Magazine announced Wednesday.

The Spartans return standouts on the defensive side of the ball, including Matthew Beddow, Gunner Gebelein and goalie Blake Ulmer. J.B. Clarke, undefeated in his first season at the helm of the Spartans, also will enjoy the returns of Harry Kilkowski, Luke McAnaney, Daniel Fitzpatrick and Owen Miller on the offensive side of the ball.

An early season test on February 18 against Lenoir-Rhyne (No. 7 in the Top 20) will be a good barometer for what Tampa looks like in 2023.

Mercy, which fell to Tampa in the national championship game last May, is No. 2 in the Top 20. Jack Gibbons is a force in the midfield, as is LSM Justin Gerdvil. As balanced a team in the nation as there is, Mercy can also light up the scoreboard with Brady Kearnan leading the attack.

Wingate, which boasts one of the top players in the country in Willie Grieco, is No. 3. Mercyhurst, another team littered with All-American caliber talent, is No. 4. Adelphi checks in at No. 5.

Continue below to see the full Nike/USA Lacrosse Division II Men’s Preseason Top 20.