MM 4.15: 5 Maryland men’s lacrosse players selected in PLL Draft

Q: Which Maryland men's lacrosse players were drafted in the 2026 PLL Draft?

The players drafted include Will Schaller, Eric Spanos, Leo Johnson, Eric Kolar, and Braden Erksa.

Q: What were the draft positions of the Maryland players selected in the PLL Draft?

Will Schaller was picked 17th overall, Eric Spanos 22nd, and Leo Johnson 33rd, with Kolar and Erksa selected in the final round.

Q: What impact did injuries have on the draft status of Maryland players?

Will Schaller's draft stock fell due to a season-ending injury, while Eric Spanos also faced injuries but maintained a strong attacking presence.

No. 7 Maryland men’s lacrosse has a lot to play for over the next month as it fights for a postseason berth, but the Terps’ talent was showcased Tuesday night. Five players heard their names called in the Premier Lacrosse League Draft — tied with Syracuse for the most selections this year and the program’s highest total since 2022, when it last won the national championship. Will Schaller and Eric Spanos were third-round picks, taken 17th overall by the Utah Archers and 22nd overall by the Carolina Chaos, respectively. Leo Johnson, Eric Kolar and Braden Erksa went in the final round. Schaller, last season’s All-American first-teamer, saw his draft stock plummet after suffering a season-ending injury against Virginia. Still, the Terps’ top defenseman over the last two years has proven to be a vital asset. He was part of Maryland’s second-best defense last season, slowing down some of the nation’s top attackers. While his senior campaign was rocky, Schaller’s physicality and quickness will likely translate to the next level. He links up with two former players from last year’s roster: defender Jackson Canfield and midfielder Byrce Ford. While Spanos missed some time battling a lingering knock, his attacking skillset is unquestionable. The two-time All-Big Ten honoree has imposed his will during his time in College Park, using his 6-foot-5 stature to bully defenders around the cage. Spanos is second on the team with 19 goals in his seven starts this season. Johnson joins a lengthy list of Terps on the Utah Archers’ roster next season after being selected with the 33rd pick. The Yale transfer has shouldered Maryland’s offense with a team-high 22 goals and 19 assists this season. Kolar and Erksa will remain local, both going in the fourth round to the Maryland Whipsnakes. The preseason All-American first-teamer, Kolar’s impact doesn’t show up on the statsheet. But the short-stick defensive midfielder’s elite one-on-one defending left him as a no-brainer pick. Kolar has also netted four goals during his four seasons. While Erksa has had a tumultuous 2026 season — he is tied with Johnson at 20 turnovers — his role as one of the team’s top facilitators led to his selection with the final pick in the draft. Erksa has dished out 67 assists and totaled 95 goals as a four-year starter.

In other news

Maryland men’s lacrosse’s Peter Laake was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.

Peter Laake earns his second Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honor following his performance in the Terps’ 12–2 victory over Rutgers!

🗞️ #BeTheBest pic.twitter.com/ZexuFZNSdg

— Maryland Men's Lacrosse (@TerpsMLax) April 14, 2026 Maryland tennis appeared in national rankings. ITA UPDATED RANKINGS 🚨

Emma G appears on the rankings twice for doubles! Once with Ema K, and once with a new appearance from Diya! 👏

Oli stays on the rankings as she continues to battle ranked Big Ten opponents! 🔥

Terps are ranked #45 this week! 🐢#terptennis #coMpete pic.twitter.com/kc4GxyLl1w

— Maryland Tennis (@TerpTennis) April 14, 2026 Maryland softball takes on Howard tonight in College Park. Catch us in the Maryland Softball Stadium tomorrow!👊#FearTheTurtle pic.twitter.com/wmrOKDrLGk

— Maryland Softball (@TerpsSoftball) April 14, 2026