Army’s Evan Plunkett Selected Fourth Overall in 2026 PLL Draft by Denver Outlaws

Black Knights star becomes highest‑drafted Army midfielder ever; joins elite lineage of pro‑bound West Point greats

By J.J. Pavlick | West Point, N.Y. | April 14, 2026

WEST POINT, N.Y. — For four years, Evan Plunkett has been the engine of Army West Point men’s lacrosse, the midfielder who dictated tempo, elevated teammates, and delivered in every high‑pressure moment the program faced. On Tuesday night, the lacrosse world made it official: his game translates anywhere.

Plunkett was selected fourth overall in the 2026 Premier Lacrosse League College Draft, joining the Denver Outlaws as the franchise’s newest centerpiece and becoming one of the highest-drafted players in Army history.

The selection ties the program’s all-time draft record, matching John Glesener’s No. 4 pick in the 2015 MLL Draft and Tom Rigney’s No. 4 selection in the 2020 PLL Draft.

For a player who has been central to the Army Black Knights’ rise into a perennial national contender, the moment felt inevitable.

“He has worked incredibly hard to be his very best and, in doing so, has helped elevate our whole program,” said head coach Joe Alberici. “Throughout his career, he has been his best in our biggest moments. When the time comes, there is no doubt he will do the same for the Denver Outlaws.”

A Career That Rewrote Army’s Midfield Standard

Plunkett enters the professional ranks as the highest‑scoring midfielder in Army history, with 170 career points after Saturday’s win over Navy. His résumé is one of the most decorated the program has ever seen:

• 3× Inside Lacrosse All‑American
• 2× USILA All‑American
• USA Lacrosse All‑American Honorable Mention
• 2024 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year
• 2023 Patriot League Rookie of the Year
• 2025 Tewaaraton Top 25 Finalist

Across his tenure, Army posted a 45–12 record, won three straight regular‑season titles, captured the 2023 Patriot League Championship, and reached the 2023 NCAA Quarterfinals.

Plunkett wasn’t just a goal scorer; he was a force multiplier, causing havoc for opponents to deal with. Plunkett at the helm meant one thing for Army standards and the team’s play as they outscored opponents 764–517, including a 149–106 margin this season alone. The Black Knights’ 3.58 scoring margin leads the Patriot League, and their 8.83 goals‑against average ranks eighth nationally.

Joining a Growing Army‑to‑PLL Pipeline

Plunkett becomes the fifth Black Knight drafted into the PLL since its 2019 debut, joining the following:

• Johnny Surdick — Carolina Chaos (2019)
• Tom Rigney — Chrome LC (2020)
• Brendan Nichtern — Chrome LC (2022)
• Christian Mazur — Whipsnakes (2025)

He also follows Jackson Eicher, who signed with the Chaos as a free agent last season and immediately proved why he was the 2025 Patriot League Player of the Year and a Tewaaraton Top Five Finalist.

Denver is no stranger to Army talent either. AJ Pilate earned a roster spot with the Outlaws in 2025, and Nichtern spent time with the franchise as well.

Now, Plunkett becomes the next Black Knight to step into the professional spotlight, and Denver gets a midfielder built for big moments and exciting play.

What Comes Next

The PLL season opens in May with the Archers’ Homecoming Weekend in Salt Lake City. Plunkett will join the Outlaws for training camp as Denver continues its rebuild around young, high‑IQ, two‑way midfielders.

But before he turns fully to the pros, Plunkett has unfinished business in black and gold, with an NCAA National Title becoming a possibility more and more. Look for Plunkett to go out with a bang this season.

UP NEXT

Army closes its 2026 road schedule on Saturday, April 18, traveling to Baltimore for a noon matchup against Loyola Maryland, a pivotal Patriot League test as the Black Knights push toward postseason play.

Plunkett didn’t just earn a draft slot—he earned a legacy. And if you want coverage that treats Army lacrosse with the seriousness it deserves—the context, the history, the edge—our newsletter is just $2 for the entire year.

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