Key Takeaways
- The Duke men’s lacrosse team will start the 2026 season ranked eighth according to USA Lacrosse Magazine’s preseason poll
- The Blue Devils will face six of the top 20 programs in the poll, including reigning NCAA Champion Cornell
- The team returns a core of talent from last season, including National Midfielder of the Year and ACC Co-Defensive Player of the Year Aidan Maguire
- The Blue Devils have a strong defense, with the bulk of their defense back, including second-team All-American Charlie Johnson and first-team All-American Maguire
- Duke has a wealth of options at the faceoff dot, with the return of Luke Engelke, Cal Girard, and Ben McCarthy
Introduction to the 2026 Season
The Duke men’s lacrosse team is set to start the 2026 season with high expectations, ranked eighth in the USA Lacrosse Magazine’s preseason poll presented by CWENCH Hydration. The team will open the campaign on January 31 against Bellarmine, and with a strong lineup of returning players, they are looking to make a significant impact in the season. The Blue Devils finished last year with a 12-6 record, advancing to the ACC Championship title game and earning the No. 7 seed in the NCAA Tournament. This experience will undoubtedly be beneficial as they face a challenging schedule, including six of the top 20 programs in the poll.
Team Lineup and Returning Players
Under the direction of head coach John Danowski, who is entering his 20th season, the Blue Devils return a core of talent from last season. One of the standout players is National Midfielder of the Year and ACC Co-Defensive Player of the Year Aidan Maguire, who will be instrumental in the team’s success. Max Sloat and Benn Johnston are also back for Duke after strong seasons in Duke’s first midfield, with Johnston scoring 28 goals and Sloat ranking third in assists and points. Sophomore attackman Liam Kershis returns with a season at attack under his belt, and a collection of talented freshmen and transfer athletes will bolster Duke’s offense. The team’s defense is also looking strong, with the bulk of their defense back, including second-team All-American Charlie Johnson and first-team All-American Maguire.
Defense and Goalkeeping
The Blue Devils’ defense is expected to be a key factor in their success this season. With the return of players like Charlie Johnson and Aidan Maguire, the team has a solid foundation to build upon. Maguire, in particular, is expected to continue his impressive performance, heading into his senior season ranked 10th in caused turnovers. He has already made a significant impact on the team, with 51 takeaways, the most by a shortstick defensive midfielder in program history. In goal, Patrick Jameison is back for his third season, with an impressive record of 383 saves in his two seasons and a 9.99 career goals against average and.533 career save percentage.
Faceoff Options
The Blue Devils also have a wealth of options at the faceoff dot, with the return of Luke Engelke, Cal Girard, and Ben McCarthy. All three players took at least 90 faceoffs last season, with Engelke leading the way with 226 and a.527 success rate. This depth and experience will be crucial in securing possession and creating scoring opportunities for the team. With such a strong lineup, the Blue Devils are poised to make a significant impact in the 2026 season.
Schedule and Preseason Ranking
The Blue Devils will face a challenging schedule, with six of the top 20 programs in the poll, including reigning NCAA Champion Cornell. Maryland is the preseason No. 1, and Syracuse is ranked No. 2, while all five ACC programs are in the top 20, with Virginia coming in at No. 13. The team’s eighth-place ranking is a testament to their strength and depth, and they will be looking to prove themselves as a top contender in the season. With a strong lineup and a experienced coach, the Blue Devils are ready to take on the challenges of the 2026 season.
Conclusion and Social Media
To stay up to date with the Blue Devils men’s lacrosse team, fans can follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook by searching "DukeMLAX". The team is expected to make a significant impact in the 2026 season, and with their strong lineup and experienced coach, they are poised to achieve great things. As the season gets underway, fans can expect exciting games and intense competition, and the Blue Devils are ready to put on a show. With their eighth-place ranking and challenging schedule, the 2026 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Duke men’s lacrosse team.