Buffaloes Ready for 2026 NCBS National Championships in Rochester

The National Collegiate Box Series (NCBS) National Championships return to Rochester this week as five of the top collegiate box lacrosse programs from across the United States gather at Frank Ritter Arena on the campus of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to compete for the national title.

This year's championship marks the second time Rochester has hosted the event, following previous championships in Utica, N.Y., and San Jose, Calif. Over four days, teams representing several regions of the country will compete in round-robin play before advancing to the championship bracket.

The Buffaloes enter the tournament looking to build on their recent success after finishing as runners-up at the 2025 NCBS National Championships. Once again, the roster features players from across Western New York and beyond who will compete against some of the nation's top collegiate box talent.

Leading the Buffaloes behind the bench are Zack Belter and Tehoka Nanticoke. Belter returns after guiding the club to last year's championship game, while Nanticoke joins the coaching staff, bringing experience as both a National Lacrosse League player and accomplished box lacrosse competitor.

The Buffaloes' roster combines veteran leadership with an exciting group of newcomers. Obrigh Tallchief returns for his fourth NCBS National Championship with the Buffaloes and is widely regarded as one of the top National Lacrosse League Draft prospects competing in this year's tournament. Longtime Buffaloes Kyle Gonsiorek, Evan Frier, Kelvin Jonathan, Daylin John, Chace Cogan, and Matthew Jones also return, bringing valuable tournament experience to this year's squad.

Several former Jr. Bandits players will make their NCBS debuts after progressing through the organization's development pathway. Brodie Hill, Brody Himelein, Jackson Pragle, Nathan Lomayestewa, Elden Ground, Chuckie Rebmann, and Ryan Voll all make the jump to the collegiate roster, continuing the tradition of homegrown talent representing the Buffaloes on the national stage.

The roster is rounded out by an impressive group of first-year Buffaloes in Bryce Privateer, Conner Vaughn, Brendan Dee, Jack Kane, Peter McGowan, and Jack Wenham. Their addition gives the Buffaloes a blend of youth, skill, and depth as the club looks to capture its first NCBS National Championship.

The Buffaloes will open tournament play on Wednesday with a pair of games before concluding round-robin action on Thursday.

Buffaloes Schedule

Wednesday, August 5

• 12:30 p.m. – vs. Paper City Oaks
• 5:30 p.m. – vs. Dramingos

Thursday, August 6

• 10:00 a.m. – vs. Hawkeyes
• 3:00 p.m. – vs. Vermont

Following round-robin play, playoff games will begin on Friday, August 7, with the NCBS National Championship Game scheduled for Saturday, August 8.

The Buffaloes are one of five teams competing for this year's championship, joining the Dramingos, Hawkeyes, Paper City Oaks, and Vermont in the race for the national title.

Fans unable to attend Frank Ritter Arena can follow the Buffaloes throughout the tournament by streaming every game on NCBS.tv or the USBOXLA YouTube channel. Tournament updates, scores, and behind-the-scenes coverage will also be available throughout the week on the Buffaloes' social media channels.

With a veteran coaching staff, a talented roster, and last year's championship game appearance serving as motivation, the Buffaloes will look to take the final step this week as they chase the 2026 NCBS National Championship.