Overview

• Michigan State opens as the Big Ten favorite after back-to-back regular-season and tournament titles, returning standout goalie Trey Augustine to anchor a retooled lineup.
• Penn State brings back the league’s most scoring and adds projected 2026 No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna, yet replaces departed starter Arsenii Sergeev with largely untested transfer Kevin Reidler.
• Michigan’s season hinges on a reset in net with three newcomers who have one combined NCAA start after last year’s .895 team save percentage.
• Boston University is picked to win Hockey East and sits No. 2 nationally, with Boston College, Maine, Providence, and UConn also ranked in the preseason top 10.
• A CHL eligibility change expands the NCAA talent pool as programs absorb NHL departures and transfer additions, with Notre Dame beginning a new era under head coach Brock Sheahan.