Defending UCHC Championship Utica University is ranked sixth nationally and SUNY Geneseo is ranked 11th in the 2026-27 Men's USCHO.com Preseason Division III national poll, released on Oct. 12, 2026.

The Pioneers open the season at No. 6, after winning the UCHC Championship and advancing to the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals. Utica wrapped up last season with a 20-8-1 record, defeating Williams College in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Utica has 206 points in the USCHO.com preseason poll.

SUNY Geneseo starts the season ranked 11th nationally after finishing the 2025-26 season with a 18-8-1 record, while advancing to the UCHC Championship game. The Knights have 101 points in the preseason poll.

Regular season play for the 2026-27 season begins on Oct. 30. League play begins the weekend of Nov. 13-14. The 2027 NCAA Division III Men's Hockey Championship is to be played on March 26-28 at a venue to be determined.