Duke Lacrosse Lands Four on USA Lacrosse Preseason All-America List, Led by Johnston and Maguire
DURHAM, N.C. - With the 2026 season just around the corner, Duke men’s lacrosse is already making noise. The Blue Devils landed four players on the USA Lacrosse Preseason All-America list, with senior midfielder Benn Johnston and junior defensive midfielder Jake Maguire earning first-team honors. Senior defenseman Charlie Johnson was named to the third team, while Max Sloat picked up an honorable mention nod.
Let’s be clear - these aren’t just preseason accolades handed out on reputation. Each of these guys earned it with a standout 2025 campaign, and they’re poised to be key pieces again for a Duke team eyeing a deep postseason run.
Maguire: The Defensive Midfield Dynamo
Jake Maguire is simply a problem for opposing offenses. As a short stick defensive midfielder, he’s redefining what the position can be. Last season, he set a Duke record for caused turnovers by a defensive middie with 26, and he added 57 ground balls to his stat sheet - a testament to his relentless motor and field awareness.
Maguire’s impact goes well beyond the numbers. He was named the National Midfielder of the Year and shared ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
And if that wasn’t enough, he was the only college player invited to the USA Lacrosse Men’s Senior National Team training camp. That’s elite company - and a clear sign that Maguire isn’t just one of the best in college lacrosse; he’s knocking on the door of the international stage.
Johnston: The Steady Scorer and Leader
Benn Johnston has been the heartbeat of Duke’s offense, and he’s back for one more ride. A team captain and second-team USILA All-American last season, Johnston finished second on the team with 28 goals and added 25 ground balls - the most among Duke’s offensive players.
He’s started all but four games in his career and is closing in on the 100-point milestone, but what makes Johnston special goes beyond the stats. He’s a two-way midfielder who brings intensity, leadership, and a knack for delivering in big moments. With Duke returning a loaded roster, Johnston’s presence as a veteran leader will be crucial.
Johnson: Lockdown Defender with a Breakout Year
Charlie Johnson had his coming-out party last season. Starting for the first time in his career, the senior defenseman quickly became the anchor of Duke’s close defense. He led the team with 32 caused turnovers - the second-highest single-season total in program history - while regularly drawing the assignment of covering the opponent’s top attackman.
Johnson’s combination of physicality, footwork, and defensive IQ makes him a nightmare matchup. He and Maguire form the backbone of a defensive unit that has the potential to be among the best in the country.
Sloat: Offensive Upside on Full Display
Max Sloat rounds out Duke’s preseason All-Americans after a breakout campaign of his own. The junior midfielder teamed up with Johnston to form a dynamic one-two punch on the first midfield line, combining for 77 points between them.
Sloat finished third on the team in scoring with 26 goals and 16 assists - a 15-point jump from the previous season. His ability to dodge, shoot on the run, and find teammates in space gives Duke another dangerous weapon in the midfield. If he continues to build on last season’s momentum, Sloat could be in line for even bigger honors by season’s end.
What’s Next
The Blue Devils kick off the 2026 season on January 31 against Bellarmine, with opening faceoff set for noon at Freeman Field inside Koskinen Stadium. With four preseason All-Americans - including two on the first team - expectations are high in Durham. And if last year’s performances are any indication, this group is more than ready to live up to the hype.