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The Big Red Dynasty: 5 Elite Players Headlining The Cornell University Lacrosse Roster For The 2025 Season

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As of late 2025, the Cornell University Men's Lacrosse program, affectionately known as the Big Red, stands at the pinnacle of NCAA Division I competition, boasting a roster deep with talent and national championship aspirations. Following a campaign that saw them cement their status as an Ivy League powerhouse, the 2025 Cornell Lacrosse roster is stacked with returning All-Americans and breakout stars, making them a formidable contender for the national title. This article dives deep into the key players, the team's structure, and the fresh, updated outlook for the Big Red's quest for glory.

The Big Red's success is built on a foundation of exceptional recruiting and a high-powered, dynamic offensive system, complemented by a stalwart defense. The current roster is a blend of seasoned seniors and high-impact underclassmen, all contributing to a culture focused on returning to Memorial Day weekend. From the Tewaaraton Award winner leading the attack to the dominant presence in goal, the 2025 squad is one of the most exciting in program history.

The 2025 Cornell Lacrosse Roster: Key Player Biography Profiles and Statistical Highlights

The 2025 Cornell University Men's Lacrosse roster features a wealth of talent across all positions. The following profiles highlight the players who are not only the statistical leaders but also the emotional and tactical anchors of the Big Red program. This list represents the core of the team's topical authority and national relevance. The team's depth ensures that every player, from the starters to the reserves, contributes to the overall strength of the Big Red.

  • CJ Kirst (Attack, Senior): The undisputed leader of the offense, Kirst is a generational talent and the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Tewaaraton Award, given to the nation's most outstanding college lacrosse player. He consistently leads the team in goals and is a frontrunner for every major national honor. His ability to score from anywhere on the field makes him the primary focus of every opposing defense.
  • Michael Long (Attack, Senior): A crucial component of Cornell's high-octane attack line, Michael Long is an elite playmaker. In the 2025 season, Long ranked 11th nationally and second in the Ivy League in assists per game, averaging 2.26. His vision and passing ability are vital to unlocking opponents' defenses, making him an equally dangerous threat alongside Kirst.
  • Willem Firth (Midfield, Sophomore): Earning first-team All-America honors in the 2025 season, Willem Firth has quickly established himself as a dominant force in the midfield. His sophomore campaign was marked by explosive play, providing a critical scoring punch and two-way capability that allows the Big Red to control the pace of the game.
  • Wyatt Knust (Goalkeeper, Senior): The backbone of the defense, Goalie Wyatt Knust served as the primary starter in all 19 games of the 2025 season. His stellar performance, which included a 10.43 goals-against average and a .544 save percentage, earned him USA Lacrosse Magazine's National Player of the Week honors. His consistent improvement and leadership in the cage are key to the team's success.
  • Ryan Waldman (Attack/Midfield, Sophomore): A versatile player, Waldman has proven to be an important contributor to the Big Red's deep roster. Coming from a strong lacrosse background (his brother plays at Georgetown), Ryan Waldman provides depth and scoring ability, notably contributing during key runs in major games.
  • Ryan Goldstein (Midfield, Senior): A consistent starter and key contributor to the team's statistical output, Ryan Goldstein is another essential piece of the Big Red's veteran midfield unit.
  • Matthew Tully (Goalkeeper, Junior): Tully is a strong presence in the goalie rotation, battling for the starting spot and providing an excellent backup option, ensuring the Big Red's goal is always well-defended.
  • Christopher Davis (LSM, Senior): A long-stick midfielder, Davis is a critical defensive entity, responsible for ground balls and transition play, and a key veteran presence on the 2025 roster.

The Offensive Juggernaut: Why Cornell’s Attack is Nationally Ranked

The 2025 Cornell Men's Lacrosse team is widely recognized for possessing one of the best attack lines in the entire nation. This unit, led by the incomparable CJ Kirst, is the calling card of the Big Red and a major reason why the team is frequently mentioned in national championship conversations.

The offense is not simply a one-man show; it operates with precision and incredible depth. Last season, the team averaged over 15 goals per game, a staggering figure that ranked them third in the country. The synergy between Kirst, the primary finisher, and Michael Long, the elite distributor, creates a nearly unguardable dynamic. Long's ability to draw defensive attention and find open teammates ensures that the scoring opportunities are distributed across the field.

Furthermore, the contributions from the midfield, spearheaded by Willem Firth, add layers of complexity that opposing coaches struggle to contain. This depth means that even if one star player is neutralized, the Big Red has multiple options—including players like Ryan Waldman and Andrew Dalton—who can step up and change the momentum of a game.

Defense and Goaltending: The Unsung Heroes of the 2025 Squad

While the offense garners most of the headlines, the defensive unit and goaltending have been equally critical to the Big Red's success and topical authority in 2025. The defense is anchored by the impressive play of senior goalkeeper Wyatt Knust.

Knust's transformation and consistency have been a major narrative for the team. After having to fight for his position in previous years, his growth culminated in a spectacular 2025 playoff run and national recognition as a top-tier Division I goalie. His performance is particularly crucial in the fast-paced, high-scoring Ivy League, where games often come down to crucial saves.

The defense in front of Knust is supported by veteran leadership, including long-stick midfielder Christopher Davis, who provides critical transition play and defensive stops. The unit’s collective effort in causing turnovers and limiting quality shots is a testament to the coaching staff's focus on a balanced, two-way team. The depth in the net, with Matthew Tully providing strong support, ensures that the Big Red is prepared for the rigors of a long season and the NCAA Tournament.

The Road Ahead: Ivy League Dominance and National Aspirations

The 2025 season opened with a promising outlook, with the Cornell men's lacrosse team kicking off their campaign against strong opponents like Lehigh. The Big Red's goal is clear: to secure the Ivy League title and make a deep run into the NCAA Tournament. The team's performance in 2025 has left little to chance, especially after narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament in a previous season despite winning the Ivy League.

The strength of the 2025 Cornell Lacrosse roster—particularly the synergy between its veteran stars like CJ Kirst, Michael Long, and Wyatt Knust—positions them as a legitimate contender to win the national championship. Their ability to sustain a high level of offensive output while relying on a rapidly improving, nationally recognized defense makes them a threat to any team in the country. The Big Red's focus on the margins and attention to detail in every game are the final ingredients that could see them hoist the trophy at the end of the season.

Fans and analysts are eagerly watching to see if this deep, talented, and highly decorated 2025 squad can translate its individual accolades and statistical dominance into the ultimate team prize.

The Big Red Dynasty: 5 Elite Players Headlining the Cornell University Lacrosse Roster for the 2025 Season
cornell university lacrosse roster
cornell university lacrosse roster

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