Syracuse University men’s lacrosse saw five of its players selected in the 2026 Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) College Draft on April 14, making it one of the largest draft classes for the program.
The event took place live in Bristol, Connecticut, while members of the team gathered at a watch party at the John A. Lally Athletics Complex. Senior attackman Joey Spallina was chosen third overall by the Maryland Whipsnakes, followed by Michael Leo with the sixth pick to the California Redwoods.
Billy Dwan III went to the Maryland Whipsnakes as the eleventh overall pick in round two. Luke Rhoa was selected sixteenth overall by New York Atlas with the final pick of round two. Graduate student Dante Bowen rounded out Syracuse’s selections as he was picked thirtieth overall late in round four by California Redwoods.
This marks Syracuse’s largest group taken in a PLL draft and surpasses last year’s total of four draftees. The last time five Orange were chosen in a single professional draft was during Major League Lacrosse’s 2015 event.
Each player’s performance this season contributed to their selection: Dwan set a program record for goals scored by a defensive player; Leo ranked second on his team for points; Rhoa led with eight man-up goals; Spallina is nearing Syracuse’s all-time career points record; and Bowen provided depth at short-stick defensive midfield after transferring from Ohio State University.
Syracuse will play its final regular season game against Colgate this Saturday at JMA Wireless Dome, where seniors will be honored before faceoff.
