Brown, Eiland Selected in 2026 PLL College Draft
4/14/2026 10:00:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two members of the Ohio State men's lacrosse program were selected in the 2026 Premier Lacrosse League College Draft Tuesday night. Cullen Brown was the first Buckeye off the board, selected in the second round and 14th overall by the California Redwoods, and Blake Eiland went with the third pick of the third round to the Maryland Whipsnakes.
The Buckeye captains become the program's seventh and eighth draftees to the Premier Lacrosse League. Buckeye Lacrosse has now produced 30 draft picks across the PLL and Major League Lacrosse and has multiple draft picks in a single class for the sixth time in the last 10 seasons.
"It was awesome to hear Cullen and Blake's names called Tuesday night," Ohio State head coach Nick Myers said. "Those are two men who embody what it means to be a Buckeye and are going to make an immediate impact in the professional league. We're proud to have them represent Buckeye Lacrosse and can't wait to see what they accomplish at the next level."
Brown is an All-American close defenseman for the Buckeyes and became the highest Buckeye selected in the PLL College Draft since Ryan Terefenko went 12th overall in 2021. He is the program record holder for single season and career caused turnovers and has caused a team-high 22 turnovers for a Big Ten-best 1.83 caused turnovers per game this season. Brown also leads non-faceoff players in the conference with 43 ground balls and 3.58 per game in 2026. Brown is a finalist for the Big Ten Medal of Honor and on the Tewaaraton Watchlist.
"[Brown] has the ability to play LSM for us, fill in down low, and I think having guys who are versatile in this league are really important," Redwoods head coach and former Buckeye Anthony Kelly ('03) said. "He plugs a massive hole for us in regard to that. I think his ability to get the ball up and off the ground and push transition is unmatched."
Eiland, a starting short stick defensive midfielder, is the first Buckeye SSDM since Terefenko to be drafted to the league and will be the fourth Buckeye shorty in the last three seasons to play in the PLL. Eiland earned All-America honors in 2025 and has helped the team to a nation-best scoring defense (7.00) this year. The Delaware, Ohio native has 15 ground balls, two caused turnovers and an assist in nine games played this season.
"[Eiland] can play in transition and that's one of the reasons we made this pick," Whipsnakes head coach Jim Stagnitta said. "He's athletic. He's a defender who can press out. He certainly fills a need for us. I also believe that he has the ability to transition from defense to offense for us."
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