Impactful September Commits From 2026 Prospects

In September Preplacrosse.com highlighted a slew of the verbal commitments that were pouring in from Class of 2027 prospects.   Today, I want to review a handful of commitments from Class of 2026 that flew under the radar last month. Each of these “late” 2026 additions could have a major impact for their college program during the 2027 season.     Cermele recently committed to Hobart and the Statesman coaching staff should be ecstatic that this Swiss Army Knife pole is coming to Geneva, New York. Cermele owns the athleticism and speed to play on the perimeter as an LSM. From that spot, Cermele's ability to cause a turnover and then scoop up the ensuing ground ball frequently produces fast break opportunities for his team. Cermele's elite GB skills make him an impactful LSM on the face-off wing too. At close, his lacrosse IQ, communication skills and timely slides make Cermele a tremendous team defender. With his polished footwork and physicality, Cermele excels at defending in 1v1 situations on the wing or behind the net. He can turn an opposing offensive player multiple times before delivering a stick check that puts the ball on the turf. Cermele is a plus player on the offensive end too as he is a legitimate threat to crank a shot into the back of the net in transition or during settled action.         This long, athletic, and solidly built prospect recently switched his commitment from St. Joseph's to Utah. Kastroll is a versatile pole with the skills and high IQ to operate in man to man as well as zone concepts. In man to man, Kastroll's discipline and quick reactions allow him to lock off the opposing team's No. 1 option. His physicality, polished footwork, heavy stick checks and crafty poke checks make Kastroll a menacing on-ball presence too. Kastroll has also impressed with his slides as well as his ability to work over or through screens. The combination of Kasrtoll's size (6'3”; 200 lbs.), enormous wingspan, and active stick make him a highly effective zone defender. His clear communications and quick switches / recoveries also contribute to Kastroll's effectiveness in zone defense.     During his epic junior campaign, March scored 60 goals and dished out 46 assists while leading Stephen Decatur to the Bayside Conference title as well as a runner up finish in the Maryland 2A state tournament. March's outstanding 2025 season garnered him the Maryland 2A Player of the Year Award. This quick burst attackman with filthy in-tight finishing skills and a wicked perimeter shot is a match-up nightmare for opponents. If a defender attempts to guard March tightly, he will use his speed and elusive moves to blow past or dip underneath that player and then dash to the net for a scoring opportunity on the doorstep. March's bag of stick fakes and creative finishing moves render goalies helpless in those situations. When a defender sags off March he can unleash step down rockets from deep or sidearm shots on the move. His ability to shoot from multiple angles and with either hand is impressive. March recently flipped from Bellarmine to St. Joseph's.     Shannon is an athletic LSM prospect with a non-stop motor who recently flipped from Mercer to Bucknell. With his speed and extraordinarily aggressive style, Shannon frequently extends his pursuit of ball carriers out to mid-field. Shannon's active stick causes turnovers via lifts and pokes as well as the occasional can opener. His ability to slap the butt end of an offensive player's stick and dislodge the ball is remarkable. Those same sticks skills combined with Shannon's swift reactions enable him to snare GBs and race down field. Thanks to his smooth stick maneuvers and quick cuts Shannon can push the ball deep into the offensive end. Shannon's smooth toe drags are always a crowd pleaser. After his standout 2025 season Shannon was named a 1st Team All-Anne Arundel County selection.                 Yale recently secured a verbal commitment from the best kept secret in Delaware. Last season Short registered 45 goals along with 23 assists, was a 1st Team All-State selection and pushed Cape to the Delaware state championship game. The scary part is the 6-foot-4, 200-pound two-way midfielder is just scratching the surface of his potential. Short moves up and down the field like a gazelle. So, he can easily run past or around opposing players. His length and 200-pound frame enable him to run through defenders when needed. Combine those assets with Short's ability to shoot and distribute on the run and you get a transition phenom. Short thrives in 6v6 action too. He can get downhill in a flash and then absorb significant contact on his way to the cage. For a prospect of his size, Short's cut back skills are impressive. Short is the frequent recipient of double teams. He is quick to identify that defensive scheme and then deliver a crisp pass to an open teammate.

In September Preplacrosse.com highlighted a slew of the verbal commitments that were pouring in from Class of 2027 prospects.

Today, I want to review a handful of commitments from Class of 2026 that flew under the radar last month. Each of these “late” 2026 additions could have a major impact for their college program during the 2027 season.