March 16, 2026 USCHO Top Ten Poll Breakdown

No. 1 University of Michigan, stays at No. 1

Michigan continued its winning ways in the Big Ten Tournament this past week, rolling through Notre Dame 6-1 and shutting down Penn State 5-2. Michael Hage racked up five points (1 goal + 4 assists) in those two conference tournament contests. The Wolverines play Ohio State March 21 for the Big Ten Championship at 8pm ET.

No. 2 University of North Dakota, stays at No. 2

The Fighting Hawks had an off night in the NCHC Semifinals, falling 5-1 to University of Minnesota Duluth last Saturday. Dylan James had the lone marker for North Dakota in the loss. The guys from Grand Forks await their NCAA Tournament matchup, which will be announced with the rest of the bracket on March. 22.

No. 3 Michigan State University, stays at No. 3

Michigan State's issues against Ohio State continued this past weekend in the Big Ten Tournament, coming up short 3-2 in overtime. The Spartans have just one regulation win against the Buckeyes through five games this season, coming all the way back on Jan. 9. Their NCAA Tournament opponent, like all others is TBD.

No. 4 University of Denver previously at No. 6

Denver came up big against Western Michigan, breaking the Broncos in overtime 2-1. Samu Salminen scored the game winning goal at 5:48 in overtime, while James Reeder  notched two assists. The Pioneers will face University of Minnesota-Duluth in the NCHC Championship on March 21 at 6pm MT.

No. 5 Western Michigan University, previously at No. 4

Both NCHC Semifinal Games required an extra frame, including Western Michigan's loss to Denver this past Saturday. Bobby Cowan had the Broncos' only goal, starting the scoring midway through the third period. Western Michigan will defend their NCAA Title when the bracket is revealed on March 22.

No. 6 University of Minnesota-Duluth

Minnesota-Duluth shut down No. 2 North Dakota 5-1 on Saturday, advancing to the NCHC Finals against the University of Denver on March 21 at 6pm MT. Five different Bulldogs hit pay dirt in the win, with two helpers coming from Luke Bibby. 

No. 7 Providence College, previously at No. 5

Another shocking upset occurred in the Hockey East Tournament as top seeded Providence fell to Merrimack in overtime. Chicago Blackhawks prospect John Mustard had a goal and an assist in the defeat. The Friars await their fate during the selection show on March 22.

No. 8 Cornell University, previously at No. 9

The Big Red are a resilient bunch. Cornell stumbled against Harvard in game one of the ECAC Quarterfinals Friday, 3-1. With their season on the line, the Big Red earned two decisive victories, outscoring the Crimson a combined 9-2 in two contests. Forward Charlie Major dished out four assists in the series rally. Cornell will face Princeton on March 20 at 7pm ET, hoping to advance to the ECAC Championship.

No. 9 Dartmouth College, previously at No. 12

Dartmouth has been electric all season and continued their momentum with two 4-1 wins over Colgate University. Hank Cleaves had three goals in the series sweep over the Raiders. The Big Green heads to the ECAC semifinals against Clarkson University March 22 at 4pm ET.

No. 10 Penn State University, stays at No. 10

The Nittany Lions lost their Big Ten Semifinal game to Michigan 5-2. Gavin McKenna and Lev Katzin scored goals for Penn State in the loss. Happy Valley rests up for their NCAA Regional Matchup, which will be made public on March 22.

No. 10 Quinnipiac University, previously at No. 7

Arguably the biggest shack of the weekend was the Bobcats being on the receiving end of a sweep from Clarkson University. This included a 3-0 shutout Friday night, and allowing two shorthanded goals on the same shift Saturday, sealing a 4-3 win. Quinnipiac is gunning for an at large bid to the NCAA Tournament come March 22.