On Second Thought: Flipping Season Continues for 2026s

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're back with another review of Class of 2026 prospects who recently flipped their verbal commitment:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["166744"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":166748,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6902802ddb62b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Flipped from Williams College to Cornell</strong>...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This highly decorated high school quarterback was on his way to play football at Williams College, but that recently changed when Backes decided to flip to Cornell. The defending NCAA National Champions are adding an extremely athletic and fast midfielder who can play at a high level with both hands. Backes owns an explosive first step which allows him to blow past the initial defender. His nifty stick and body maneuvers enable Backes to elude the sliding defenders so he can unleash a powerful overhand or rip sidearm for a goal. Additionally, Backes is a serious threat to crank a long-range step down into the back of the net. The Big Red coaching staff will also love Backes' energy and non-stop motor.    </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["166745"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":166750,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6902802ddb6a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Flipped from Amherst College to Michigan…</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">During his standout junior season, Barbagallo posted a win rate of 88% to go along with 16 goals and 14 assists. Those stats earned Barbagallo 1^st team All-NEPSAC as well as 1^st Team All-FAA selections. Barbagallo is an incredible pick-n-pop artist. Combine that talent with Barbagallo's speed as well as his shooting skills and Michigan is getting a FOGO who can score on every charge into the offensive end. Barbagallo owns a high IQ and outstanding field awareness, so he has a great feel for when to distribute top open teammates too. His athleticism and powerful lower body enable Barbagallo to mix it up at the face off dot and eventually emerge with possession. This face-off prospect is an incredible addition to Michigan's 2026 recruiting class.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["127630"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6902802ddb6f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Flipped from Williams College to Yale... </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This extraordinary goalie is a physically imposing prospect with quick reflexes. Butler moves extremely well for a big man. His ability to slide post to post or cover high to low in a flash will shock opponents. Butler's fast hands and active stick produce a high percentage of clean saves. On the rare occasion where a rebound happens, Butler will aggressively pounce on the loose ball. Once he has the ball in his stick, Butler is quick to deliver a precise clearing pass and trigger a scoring opportunity for his team. The staff at Yale will appreciate Butler's ability to command the defense in front of him with his communication skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["82290"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":166753,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6902802ddb753"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Flipped from UPenn to Lehigh…</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Connolly is one of the most physical face-off specialists in the Class of 2026. He does a tremendous job of using his brawny frame and strong hands to overpower opponents at the dot. When the action gets chaotic on a face off, those same assets help Connolly hold off his opponent until he can locate the ball and secure possession. Connolly also excels at clean pick and pops that send him racing into the offensive end. His solid build and speed enable Connolly to rumble through significant contact on his way to the net. Connolly is a threat to shoot or distribute on the run and he rarely holds onto the rock too long. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["166746"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":166754,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6902802ddb7b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Flipped from Colgate to Penn State</strong>...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Penn State coaching staff struck gold again with the late addition of this amazing FOGO prospect, who is doing a PG year at Avon following his graduation from Ontario's Everest Academy. Lippert is native of Canada and has significant experience playing in the Ontario JLL as well as at the national level. He is a versatile FOGO with polished mechanics and quick hands. Those assets make it possible for Lippert to cleanly beat his opponent to the clamp on a high percentage of face offs. Those clean wins combined with Lippert's impressive speed produce frequent transition opportunities for his team. Lippert can also win the clamp and then use a defensive exit or snap the ball to one of his wings. The Penn State coaches will love that Lippert can drop to ground and grind out a win by overpowering his opponent too. With his filthy box lacrosse stick skills, Lippert can stay on the field during 6v6 action and be a legitimate scoring threat.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->