GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The University of Florida men’s lacrosse team has unveiled its schedule for the 2018 season.

Starting in late January, the Gators will embark on a rigorous, 15-game regular-season slate that is expected to set the stage for a championship run at the SELC tournament and a berth in the 2018 MCLA National Championships powered by Under Armour.

The schedule includes four teams in the final 2017 Top 25 poll, three of which competed at nationals.

Tough road trips await at the national, regional and in-state levels.

Florida will travel to California to face some of the best in the west. In addition, there games against Georgia, Clemson and archrival Florida State.

The Gators will open the season against Florida Gulf Coast -- the reigning SELC Division II champs -- followed by a neutral site game versus Auburn, a '17 SELC tournament semifinalists.

Texas A&M and Southern Methodist, two of the best Lone Star Alliance teams, will make their way to Gainesville this year.

In addition, South Carolina will take on the Gators in what could be a preview of the SELC tournament first round. Home matchups with Southeast regional rivals Central Florida and Miami could have playoff implications.

Florida will also host North Florida in what will be the Osprey’s first MCLA regular season game since rejoining the association earlier this year.

2018 Florida Men's Lacrosse Schedule