Princeton University's athletic programs excelled during the 2025-26 academic year, achieving a significant milestone by finishing 20th in the LEARFIELD Directors' Cup standings. This ranking, which evaluates collegiate athletic program success across levels, reflects Princeton's strong performance across multiple sports, culminating in a record 878.50 points, surpassing its previous record of 868.50 points from the 2021-22 year. The Tigers鈥� finish is the second-best in history, trailing only their 18th-place achievement in 2021-22. Princeton also led the Ivy League for the 28th time in the last 31 years and was the top non-Power conference department for the fourth time in five years. Athletic Director John Mack praised the collective effort of student-athletes, coaches, and staff in reaching these heights.

By the Numbers
  • 20th place finish in LEARFIELD Directors' Cup; 878.50 points scored.
  • Princeton ranked 28th in the Ivy League, significantly ahead of Yale's 45th with 589 points.
State of Play
  • Princeton averaged points from 22 NCAA Championship programs eligible for the Cup, including several top finishes.
  • The Tigers placed in multiple coveted positions with Men鈥檚 Lacrosse 1st, Field Hockey 2nd, and Women's Fencing 3rd in national standings.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Princeton aims to build on its athletic successes by further enhancing its student-athlete experience and competitive performance. They will likely focus on sustaining high levels in various sports to improve their standings in future editions of the LEARFIELD Directors' Cup.

Bottom Line

Princeton's 20th place in the LEARFIELD Directors' Cup underscores the university's commitment to balancing academic excellence with athletic achievement, setting a strong precedent for continued success in collegiate sports.