Throughout the 2026 season, these programs excelled at creating chaos. Whether it was aggressive on-ball pressure, perfectly timed checks, active sticks in passing lanes, or relentless rides, these teams consistently forced opponents into mistakes and flipped possessions in their favor. 

Leading the nation was William Peace, averaging an impressive 16.35 caused turnovers per game. The Pacers forced 278 turnovers over 17 games, setting the standard for defensive disruption in DeeThreeLax. Not far behind were Christopher Newport (15.55) and Keene State (15.38), while Wooster and Illinois Wesleyan rounded out the Top 5. Every team among the nation’s leaders embraced an aggressive defensive identity that made every possession difficult for opposing offenses.

The nation’s best caused turnover teams didn’t simply end possessions, They ignited transition offense. Winning ground balls after a takeaway, pushing the pace, and capitalizing before defenses could recover became a major part of their success. Programs like Hope, Farmingdale State, Massachusetts Maritime, Southern Virginia, and Chatham all paired disruptive defensive play with winning seasons, proving that creating extra possessions remains one of the biggest advantages in DeeThreeLax.

While standout close defenders often receive the recognition, forcing turnovers is a team effort. The programs atop these rankings relied on coordinated slides, disciplined team defense, aggressive riding, and midfield pressure to consistently force mistakes. It wasn’t just about highlight-reel checks, it was about creating uncomfortable possessions from the opening whistle to the final horn.

DeeThreeLax 2026 Team Stats – CTs Per Game 

• William Peace – 16.35 CT/game (278 CT, 17 games)
• Christopher Newport – 15.55 (342 CT, 22 games)
• Keene State – 15.38 (246 CT, 16 games)
• Wooster – 14.67 (264 CT, 18 games)
• Illinois Wesleyan – 14.28 (257 CT, 18 games)
• Hope – 13.81 (290 CT, 21 games)
• Farmingdale State – 13.59 (231 CT, 17 games)
• Massachusetts Maritime – 13.42 (255 CT, 19 games)
• Southern Virginia – 13.39 (241 CT, 18 games)
• Chatham – 13.22 (238 CT, 18 games)
• Franciscan – 12.76 (217 CT, 17 games)
• Pfeiffer – 12.53 (238 CT, 19 games)
• Thomas (ME) – 12.47 (187 CT, 15 games)
• Carthage – 12.44 (224 CT, 18 games)
• Hampden-Sydney – 12.42 (236 CT, 19 games)
• SUNY Delhi – 12.36 (173 CT, 14 games)
• DePauw – 12.33 (185 CT, 15 games)
• Calvin – 12.18 (207 CT, 17 games)
• Mount Saint Vincent – 12.18 (207 CT, 17 games)
• Plattsburgh State – 12.13 (182 CT, 15 games)
• Aurora – 12.12 (206 CT, 17 games)
• SUNY Potsdam – 12.07 (181 CT, 15 games)
• Rensselaer – 11.82 (201 CT, 17 games)
• Skidmore – 11.81 (189 CT, 16 games)
• Randolph-Macon – 11.78 (212 CT, 18 games)
• Huntingdon – 11.71 (199 CT, 17 games)
• Rivier – 11.63 (221 CT, 19 games)
• Montclair State – 11.60 (174 CT, 15 games)
• Tufts – 11.57 (266 CT, 23 games)
• Lasell – 11.56 (208 CT, 18 games)
• Maine Maritime – 11.50 (184 CT, 16 games)
• Cortland – 11.48 (241 CT, 21 games)
• Norwich – 11.41 (194 CT, 17 games)
• Springfield – 11.31 (181 CT, 16 games)
• Roanoke – 11.30 (226 CT, 20 games)
• Saint Joseph (CT) – 11.29 (192 CT, 17 games)
• Virginia Wesleyan (Batten) – 11.28 (203 CT, 18 games)