Impactful Fall Commitments From 2026s, Part II

Over the last six weeks, PrepLacrosse.com highlighted a slew of verbal commitments that poured in from Class of 2027 prospects.   Today, I want to reveal Part II in my list of commitments from Class of 2026 prospects that flew under the radar this fall. Each of these “late” 2026 additions could have a major impact on their college program starting in the 2027 season. <a href="https://preplacrosse.com/2025/10/impactful-september-commits-from-2026-prospectshttps://preplacrosse.com/2025/10/impactful-september-commits-from-2026-prospects">ICYMI, here's Part I from last week</a>.    The October addition of this two-way midfielder is a fantastic move by Lehigh. On the defensive end, Barbee's explosive lateral movements and anticipation skills enable him to repeatedly beat the ball carrier to a spot. Barbee has shown the patience to turn an offensive player multiple times before looking to create a turnover. Eventually, Barbee will use a powerful crowbar or crafty stick check to dislodge the ball. Once Barbee has secured the ground ball, his world-class speed quickly separates him from the pack as he races into the offensive end for a transition opportunity. Barbee is also an effective fast break player when he comes flying out of the box. In 6v6 action, Barbee's quick burst and serious shake allows him to blow past the initial defender and then score or distribute on the run. His high IQ and field awareness combine to produce timely off ball movements that lead to clean looks in close. Barbee is right-handed but can effectively shoot or pass with both hands. As a shortstick wing on face-offs, Barbee is a ground ball machine.     Bowers is a postgraduate student at Blair Academy (N.J.) who recently committed to Maryland after initially deciding on Bryant early in his recruiting process. Originally from Long Island, Bowers is also the starting quarterback on Blair's football team. On the lacrosse field, Bowers is a versatile pole with a unique combination of size and skills. The trifecta of Bowers' size, polished footwork, and active stick make him a menacing on-ball presence. His ability to create turnovers by taking the body or with a forceful stick check is impressive. But Bowers really shines after he has created a turnover and scooped up the ground ball. Once he has possession, Bowers' speed and powerful frame enable him to race past or run over opposing players as he goes coast-to-coast. When Bowers gets below the restraining line, he is a legitimate threat to crank a shot into the net. His field vision and stick skills produce creative transition feeds too. After his fantastic senior campaign at St. John The Baptist (N.Y.), Bowers was named the CHSAA Defensive Player of the Year.     The new coaching staff at Saint Joe's scored a gem with this September addition to their 2026 class. At 6-foot-4 and nearly 200 pounds, Otoupal is an extremely imposing defensive presence. That size combined with Otoupal's speed and active stick make him an elite LSM. During his junior campaign, Otoupal stuffed the stat book with 113 caused turnovers, 160 ground balls and 11 goals. Those gaudy numbers earned Otoupal the Pacific Coast Athletic League DPOY award as well as a USA Lacrosse All-American selection. The bulk of Otoupal's CT's come from being physical with offensive players early in their dodges as well as via the heavy stick checks he throws. With his impressive wingspan, Otoupal also does a tremendous job of disrupting passing lanes with his stick. Otoupal will surprise opponents with lateral mobility which enables him to defend 1v1 situations in space. His long strides allow Otoupal to serve as a one-man clear and then lead transition opportunities.     Back in mid-September, this extremely athletic and fleet footed close defender and LSM committed to Hofstra after initially committing to Hampton. In addition to his speed and agility, the Hofstra staff will love the physical edge Rhock plays with on defense. When Rhock is defending on-ball, he is just a likely to cause a turnover via a jarring shoulder check as he is with a poke, lift or stick check. In team defensive situations, Rhock will not hesitate to take the body on his slides and double teams. Rhock's impressive stick skills enable him to vacuum up ground balls. His long strides and quick cuts make Rhock a major threat in the transition game too. With his extensive list of physical assets and nose for the ball, Rhock is a plus wing player on face offs.     Late last month, Valenti announced his commitment to Colgate. Valenti is a fantastic pickup for the Raiders, as he is a talented midfielder with an incredible combination of power and skills. This middie excels at muscling his way to the net on the fast break as well in settled action. His ability to absorb significant contact and numerous stick checks during his charges to the cage is impressive. When he eventually gets his hands free, Valenti can ping corners, score off hip or unleash a crafty bouncer while on the run. Valenti is a patient dodger too. He frequently will draw a slide or double team and then use his field vision to move the ball to an open teammate. Valenti has flashed the capacity to drop back and play SSDM at a respectable level too.

Over the last six weeks, PrepLacrosse.com highlighted a slew of verbal commitments that poured in from Class of 2027 prospects.