Our preseason power rankings continue with a look at teams I have ranked No. 48-45.
This issue features in-depth looks at Colagate, Lake Superior, Army, and Canisius
Remember, you can follow along with my complete national preseason power rankings at the link below, which also includes a conference-by-conference breakdown.
No. 48 Colgate University
Last Season
Record: 13-20-4
NPI: 49th (48.36)
League Finish: 7th/12
2026-27 Projection
NPI: 48th (48.56)
League Finish: 8th/12
Ranking Tier: 7th/9
Storylines
— The Raiders will take part in this season’s Friendship Four in Belfast. Joining Colgate in the tournament will be UConn, Minnesota Duluth and Providence. This will be the third time Colgate has participated in the annual event.
— Colgate hired C.J. Eick as an assistant coach this offseason. He spent the previous three seasons as an assistant with the Waterloo Black Hawks in the USHL.
— Alum Mike Harder is entering his fourth season as Colgate’s head coach. The Raiders went 13-20-4 last season, and Harder has compiled a 47-51-11 record through his first three seasons.
Roster Breakdown
Top 378 Forwards
F1 denotes first-line ranking (No. 1 - No. 189)
F2 denotes second-line ranking (No. 190 - No. 378)
Max Nagel, Jr. (F1)
Ryan Sullivan, Sr. (F2)
Jack Brandt, Jr. (F2)
Easton Wainwright, So. (F2)
Max Nagel is the top forward on the team. He finished tied with Ryan Sullivan for the team lead in points last season with 26, but Nagel reached that total in nine fewer games.
I have Nagel graded as one of the top offensive forwards in the ECAC this season. His playmaking ability should really stand out in a featured offensive role.
Sullivan will be another go-to option. Nagel has the potential to be a point-per-game player — or better — and I see Sullivan finishing just below that threshold. He had 26 points in 36 games last season, and that feels like a reasonable target again as he enters his senior year.
