Overview
The Premier Lacrosse League’s 2025 Rookie of the Year race is one of the most anticipated in recent memory. With a fresh influx of NCAA standouts entering the professional ranks, the PLL is brimming with emerging stars ready to make an immediate impact.
Unlike other leagues, rookies in the PLL often find themselves thrust into high-leverage situations from Day 1. Whether it's midfielders controlling tempo, attackmen generating goals, or defenders setting the tone physically, rookies are vital to team success. The 2025 class is especially deep, setting up a wide-open contest for the award.
Top Contenders
Brennan O’Neill (Atlas LC)
One of the most highly-touted college prospects in recent years, O’Neill enters the league with massive expectations. The Duke product is a dominant offensive force, capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. If he adapts quickly, he’ll be tough to beat for this honor.
Connor Shellenberger (Cannons LC)
Shellenberger’s high lacrosse IQ, elite vision, and pinpoint passing make him an instant offensive catalyst. He could rack up assists and become a key playmaker for Cannons, especially if their offense clicks early.
Liam Entenmann (Redwoods LC)
As a goalie, Entenmann has a unique shot at Rookie of the Year if he posts big save numbers and helps Redwoods stay competitive. Strong individual performances in net can quickly elevate his candidacy.
TJ Malone (Waterdogs LC)
A do-it-all offensive player out of Penn State, Malone brings energy, speed, and sharp instincts to a balanced Waterdogs team. If he finds a groove early, he could emerge as a fan-favorite rookie.
Chris Fake (Chrome LC)
A lockdown defender who brings toughness and elite positioning. If Chrome improves defensively and he plays big minutes, Fake could get serious attention as a defensive Rookie of the Year pick.
Rookie Impact in the PLL
In the PLL, rookies aren’t stashed on benches—they’re integrated into schemes and trusted with important roles. The smaller team sizes and short season mean high-performing rookies often stand out immediately.
The award often favors offensive players who post gaudy stat lines, but elite defenders and goalies can also claim it with consistent performances and media buzz.
Sources of Information
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PremierLacrosseLeague.com – Rookie profiles and team usage
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Inside Lacrosse – Draft rankings and college-to-PLL transition analysis
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Lacrosse Reference – Performance analytics and player breakdowns
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[PLL YouTube Channel] – Mic’d up sessions and post-game breakdowns
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[Social Media] – @PremierLacrosse, @PLLUpdates, @PLLRookies
Hashtags to Follow
#PLL2025
#PLLROTY
#PLLRookies
#PLLNextGen
#O’NeillEra
#RookieWatch
#FutureOfPLL
Conclusion
With a loaded rookie class full of top-tier talent, the 2025 PLL Rookie of the Year race promises to be tightly contested. Players like Brennan O’Neill and Connor Shellenberger headline the list, but unexpected breakouts are always part of the story. As the season unfolds, look for these fresh faces to reshape the league and etch their names into PLL history.
This projection chart for BetMod 533 shows the Top 5 wagering options for "Sport" at 2025-06-11 17:11:34. The current order displaying on the Chart above is "Chris Kavanagh" as the projected winner, "Jackson Eicher" is in second place, "CJ Krist" is in 3rd place right now, "Matt Traynor" is showing up at 4th from the top, "Andrew McAdorey" is showing up at 5th from the top.