Duke University’s men’s lacrosse team made a strong impression this season, landing four players on the 2026 Men’s Lacrosse All-ACC Team. Charlie Johnson, Benn Johnston, and Aidan Maguire received All-ACC honors for the second year in a row, while senior Max Sloat earned his first selection.
Duke’s four selections tied for the highest with Notre Dame and Virginia. The All-ACC team consists of a diverse mix: seven attackmen, three defensemen, four midfielders, a longstick midfielder, a short stick defensive midfielder, a faceoff specialist, and a goaltender. Remarkably, Duke has had a close defenseman on the All-ACC team every year since 2017.
Defensive Strength
Johnson has been outstanding this season, marking his second year as a starter. He leads the team with 17 caused turnovers and has scooped up 25 ground balls. His ability to neutralize top scorers is crucial, as seen when he held North Carolina’s leading scorer to just two late-game goals. Johnson’s defensive skills have pushed him into the record books, ranking him 11th in Duke history for forced turnovers.
Maguire stands out as a generational talent. As the top pick in the 2026 Premier Lacrosse League College Draft, he has made a lasting impact on Duke’s program. Last season, he recorded 26 caused turnovers, tying for fifth in NCAA SSDM history. This year, he continues to shine with 13 additional caused turnovers, solidifying his place among the best defenders in college lacrosse.
Offensive Prowess
Johnston has shifted from midfielder to attack and has excelled, scoring 35 goals and contributing in multiple games. His performance includes a career-high six goals in a single match. With 84 career goals, he is making his mark in Duke’s history.
Sloat is also having a standout season with 32 goals and six assists. His scoring makes him one of the most prolific midfielders at Duke since 2016. Sloat leads all ACC midfielders, averaging 2.46 goals per game, solidifying his position as a key player.
The Blue Devils finished the regular season with a solid 9-4 record, earning a top-five victory against North Carolina. Their losses were close, with total margins of just eight goals against highly ranked teams.
Fans can keep up with Duke men’s lacrosse through their social media channels, offering a glimpse into the team’s journey throughout the season.
For further insights into the game, experts emphasize the importance of defense in lacrosse. A strong defensive unit can be the difference between a good season and a great one; for evidence, one can look at teams historically rated in the top ten.
As Duke continues to build on this success, the blend of experienced players and emerging talents sets an optimistic tone for the future of the program.
More information can be found at NCAA Lacrosse and the Duke Athletics website.
