Duke’s Star Trio Lands on 2026 Tewaaraton Watch List as Blue Devils Start Strong
The early returns on Duke men’s lacrosse are in, and they’re as impressive as advertised. The Tewaaraton Foundation just dropped its 2026 Men’s Watch List, and Duke’s got not one, not two, but three names among the 50 best in the college game: Charlie Johnson, Benn Johnston, and Aidan Maguire. If you’ve been following the Blue Devils, that trio showing up here should come as no surprise-they’ve been setting the tone on both ends of the field since opening day.
Let’s start with the defense, where Johnson and Maguire are anchoring a unit that’s looked downright stingy through two games. Duke has allowed just 15 goals so far, and in their opener against Bellarmine, the top defensive unit gave up only three goals in the first 45 minutes. That’s the kind of defensive control that wins championships-and it’s being driven by veteran leadership and relentless execution.
Johnson, a lockdown defender with a nose for the ball, is tied for the team lead with three caused turnovers and leads all Duke defensemen with seven ground balls. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t just disrupt possessions-he flips momentum.
Maguire, meanwhile, is continuing to prove why he’s considered the top defensive midfielder in the game. His stat line through two contests is as well-rounded as his play: three ground balls, a caused turnover, and even a goal and an assist.
That kind of two-way impact is rare, and it’s a big reason why Duke’s defense is clicking early.
Then there’s Benn Johnston, who’s picking up right where he left off after earning second-team USILA All-America honors last season. In just two games, he’s already found the back of the net six times and added two caused turnovers.
He’s also leading all non-faceoff players with 10 ground balls-proof of his hustle and versatility. Johnston isn’t just a scorer; he’s a tone-setter, the kind of player who’s in the middle of everything when the game’s on the line.
All three were consensus preseason All-Americans, and through two games, they’ve lived up to every bit of the hype. Their presence on the Tewaaraton Watch List is a nod to what they’ve already accomplished-and a warning to the rest of the field that they’re just getting started.
The Tewaaraton Award, established in 2001, is college lacrosse’s highest individual honor. It’s awarded annually to the top male and female players in the country, with selection committees made up of some of the most respected coaches in the collegiate game. Being named to the watch list is no small feat-it means you’re in the national conversation, and for Johnson, Johnston, and Maguire, it’s a testament to their consistency, leadership, and game-changing ability.
Duke, now 2-0, will look to keep the momentum rolling when they host Vermont at Freeman Field at Koskinen Stadium on February 15. Faceoff is set for noon on ACCNX. With this trio leading the charge, the Blue Devils are already looking like one of the most complete teams in the country-and they’re just getting warmed up.