4 Syracuse men’s lacrosse players named to Tewaaraton Watch List
Syracuse's Joey Spallina, John Mullen, Michael Leo and Billy Dwan III were all included on the Tewaaraton Award Watch List Tuesday. Jacob Halsema | Staff Photographer
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Four Syracuse men’s lacrosse players were named to the Preseason Tewaaraton Award Watchlist Tuesday. Attack Joey Spallina, midfielder Michael Leo, defender Billy Dwan III and faceoff man John Mullen were included on the 50-player list. The Orange’s four selections are tied with Maryland for the most of any school on the list.
The honor is annually awarded to the best player in collegiate men’s and women’s lacrosse.
Spallina is a favorite to take home the prestigious award. The senior was named Inside Lacrosse’s No. 1 player ahead of the 2026 season. He’s backed up the preseason hype, registering 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in SU’s season-opening wins over then-No. 17 Boston University and Saint Joseph’s. But, Spallina — who’s already been named a Preseason First Team All-American — has repeatedly said he only cares about winning a national championship.
Leo, who was also named a Preseason First Team All-American, has become SU’s leading midfield scoring threat. The senior has logged six points in the Orange’s first two games and scored the second-most goals of any returning player, with 32 last season.
Dwan is a part of the Orange’s backline that has only allowed 3.5 goals per game against admittedly weak competition to start the season, fifth-best in Division I. Dwan received an All-American Honorable Mention last season and is a long-pole goal threat, already scoring once from distance this season.
In his first year as the full-time starter in 2025, Mullen quickly became one of the most feared faceoff men in the country. He won 63% of his draws last campaign, sixth in the country. His display earned him Third Team All-American honors. So far this year, Mullen has continued his form, claiming 68.6% of his faceoffs.
The Tewaaraton field will be whittled down to 25 players midseason, and the winner will be announced following the season.
The last Syracuse men’s lacrosse player to win the honor was Mike Leveille in 2008. The Orange have won the Tewaaraton three times, tied with Cornell, Virginia, Duke and Maryland for the most all-time.
