Eric Spanos showed flashes of his game-changing ability last season for No. 12 Maryland men’s lacrosse. The senior attacker recorded 11 multi-goal quarters in 2025, highlighted by his six-goal performance during the Terps’ 13-5 NCAA Tournament victory over Air Force.
But after a disastrous offensive showing in its Big Ten opener, Maryland needed Spanos to step up in just his second game back from injury. He exceeded expectations, etching his name among the program’s legends. Behind a four-goal second quarter,
Spanos dazzled with eight goals against Michigan — the program’s most in a single game since 2021.
With less scoring responsibility, Leo Johnson embraced the facilitator role. Johnson dished out three assists alongside a pair of goals to complement Spanos’ brilliant game. Outside of that duo, the Terps failed to receive much from their other attackers.
Against one of the best defenses in the nation — No. 9 Ohio State has conceded the fewest goals per game — Maryland will need its supporting cast to shine. The magnitude of Saturday’s game adds to the pressure.
With only three regular season games remaining, the Terps have limited opportunities to bolster their postseason resume. Maryland currently ranks No. 21 in RPI, which likely wouldn’t be good enough to earn an at-large bid. A top-15 clash is a prime chance to strengthen that.
Saturday’s contest begins at 6 p.m. and will air on Big Ten Network.
No. 9 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-2, 1-1 Big Ten)
2025 Record: 14-3, 4-1 Big Ten
Head coach Nick Myers has led Ohio State toward the pinnacle of the college lacrosse world in his 18-year tenure. The Buckeyes have seen unprecedented success, culminating in their national championship game run in 2017. The two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year has guided Ohio State to nine winning seasons and a conference regular season title last year.
While they failed to garner any postseason magic, the Buckeyes’ 2025 run was one of the program’s best seasons. Ohio State posted an 11-game winning streak following its season-opening defeat. After the Buckeyes downed the two-time defending champions in the regular season, Notre Dame got its revenge in the NCAA Tournament first round.
Ohio State dominated its nonconference slate this season, winning seven games by a combined margin of 47 goals — a close loss to the Fighting Irish was the lone blemish. But a close win over then-No. 17 Rutgers and a blowout home loss to then-No. 10 Penn State raise some concerns.
Players to watch
Caleb Fyock, junior goalkeeper, No. 18 — The Maryland native has been a national revelation during the last three seasons. While his frame is unusual — Fyock stands at 6-foot-2, 275 pounds — it’s paid off. Nicknamed “Big Tasty,” the All-American first-teamer has been one of the top netminders after a stellar freshman campaign.
Fyock’s imposing stature has keyed the Buckeyes’ strong start. He has conceded the third-fewest goals per game (7.4) and the 12th-highest save percentage (55.3%). But Fyock’s knock against Rutgers leaves his status worth monitoring.
Jack Oldman, junior faceoff specialist, No. 17 — Oldman isn’t the flashiest player on the field, but he does all the little things for Ohio State. His team-high 123 ground balls last season exemplify that. Still, his breakout at the X was yet to come, and that’s happened this year. Oldman is eighth nationally with a 63.8% faceoff percentage.
Garrett Haas, junior attacker, No. 2 — Haas barely saw playing time in his first season in Columbus. However, his regularity in the starting lineup coincided with his uptick in production. Haas has netted 43 goals over the last two years, including a team-high 20 this season. His 15 assists are tied for the second-most in the Big Ten.
Strength
Controlling the X. While the Buckeyes don’t have a high-powered offense, they get extra opportunities because of their faceoff unit. Between Oldman and Matt Mayfield, Ohio State corrals 62.1% of its faceoffs — the fifth-best clip in the country. Saturday’s game could be won at the X, with Maryland sitting eighth and able to present a challenge.
Weakness
Sloppiness. The Buckeyes have had a turnover problem at points this season, but it’s picked up a notch over the last three games. Sixty-three giveaways during that stretch have limited Ohio State to just six goals in every contest. The Buckeyes have the 25th-highest turnovers per game at 17.3.
Three things to watch
1. Which goalie starts for Ohio State? After Fyock was pulled midway through the team’s last two games, Myers turned to Jack Allen in the cage. Allen has been exceptional in those appearances. He stopped 10 of 12 shots against Rutgers and three of four with the Penn State game already settled.
2. Shorthanded defenses. Injuries have taken its toll on the Big Ten’s top-three preseason teams. With All-American first teamers Will Schaller and Bobby Van Buren sidelined for the rest of the season, Maryland and Ohio State have had to shift their defensive units. While the Buckeyes still have the best defense in the country, the Terps’ second-best mark last season has suffered.
3. Ranked woes. John Tillman regularly crafts the hardest schedule, but this season, it’s caught up to Maryland. Against four of the top-six opponents, the Terps have been exposed. Maryland’s best win comes against newly-ranked Virginia. The Terps will need standout performances from Spanos and Johnson to pull off the upset.
