The New Guard: Unpacking The 2025 Yale Men's Lacrosse Roster And Post-Brandau Era
The 2025 Yale Men's Lacrosse Roster signals the start of a new, post-dynastic era for the celebrated Bulldogs program, moving past the graduation of its most decorated class in recent history. As of this current date in late December 2025, the team is gearing up for a challenging NCAA Division I season, one that demands new leaders to step forward and fill the massive void left by Tewaaraton finalist Matt Brandau and other "pre-Covid Bulldogs" who finally exhausted their eligibility. This comprehensive breakdown provides the most up-to-date look at the players, the coaching staff, and the expected direction of the team.
The transition is stark: for the first time in years, the roster features no players who were part of the 2018 NCAA Championship team, marking a complete turnover and a fresh slate for Head Coach Andy Shay. The focus for the 2025 campaign will be on the explosive, young attack unit and a veteran defense that aims to return Yale to the top of the competitive Ivy League standings.
The 2025 Yale Men's Lacrosse Roster: Key Players and Full Biographic Profile
The 2025 roster is characterized by a blend of talented returners ready for star roles and a promising cohort of first-years. The team will be looking to build on its 2024 performance, which saw them secure 11 wins despite significant mid-season injuries.
Attack (A): The New Offensive Cornerstones
- Chris Lyons (A, #44): Expected to be the primary goal-scoring threat. Lyons has already earned Preseason All-American honors from multiple sources, including a Third Team nod from Inside Lacrosse. His ability to finish in traffic and his high shot volume make him an indispensable part of the offense.
- Leo Johnson (A, #13): The team's top returning playmaker. Johnson had a phenomenal start to his collegiate career, with his 29 assists as a first-year being the most by a freshman in school history. He will serve as the quarterback of the offense, distributing the ball and driving the high-powered attack.
- David Anderson (A, #15): A steady contributor who provides depth and experience to the attack unit, complementing the star power of Lyons and Johnson.
- Connor Gately (A, Fr.): A highly-touted freshman who is expected to compete for playing time immediately, indicating the future depth of the program.
Midfield (M): Transition and Two-Way Play
- Christian Johnson (SSDM): A seasoned short-stick defensive midfielder (SSDM) whose speed and defensive prowess are crucial to Yale's transition game. The SSDM position is vital in the modern college game, and Johnson provides veteran stability.
- Greyson Thompson (M, Fr.): Part of the 11-member incoming class, Thompson is a freshman midfielder who will look to make an early impact in the rotation.
- Luke Pascal (M, Fr.): Another freshman midfielder adding size and athleticism to the middle of the field.
Defense (D) and Goalie (G): The Back-End Stability
- Michael Alexander (D, #36): A key defensive returner who provides leadership and size on the back end (6'1", 188 lbs.). The defense will need to be a veteran anchor as the offense finds its rhythm.
- Ben Friedman (G, Fr.): A highly-rated freshman goalie joining an already competitive goalie room. His arrival signals a focus on building long-term talent at the position and he may challenge for the starting role.
Face-Off (FO): The Search for the Next FOGO
The biggest question mark for the Bulldogs is at the Face-Off Go-Off (FOGO) position, following the graduation of Nicholas Ramsey. Finding a consistent performer at the X will be paramount to controlling possession and dictating the pace of play in the Ivy League.
Coaching Staff and The Strategic Outlook for 2025
The leadership of the Yale Men's Lacrosse program remains firmly in the hands of one of the most respected coaches in the sport, but the staff around him has seen critical updates, bringing in fresh perspectives and defensive expertise.
Head Coach Andy Shay: The Forst Family Head Coach
Andy Shay, the 2018 USILA Division I Coach of the Year, continues to lead the Bulldogs. Shay is credited with transforming the Yale program, culminating in the 2018 NCAA Lacrosse Championship. His selection as the U.S. Men's Sixes National Team Head Coach further underscores his elite standing in the lacrosse world. Shay's primary challenge for 2025 is seamlessly integrating the new offensive and defensive talent while maintaining the program's trademark high-tempo style.
Key Coordinator Updates
The 2025 season features new key appointments and roles within the coaching staff:
- Defensive Coordinator & Recruiting Coordinator: Noah Fossner. Fossner joined the staff in July 2025 as an Assistant Coach and has taken on the crucial roles of Defensive Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator, and Goalie Coach. His experience, including a four-year stint at UMass, is expected to solidify the Bulldogs' defense and enhance their recruiting pipeline.
- Offensive Coordinator: Colin Nesdale. Nesdale was promoted to Offensive Coordinator in the fall of 2022. He is tasked with maximizing the potential of the high-octane attack featuring Leo Johnson and Chris Lyons and designing the schemes that will keep the Bulldogs competitive in the nation’s toughest conference.
The Gauntlet: High-Stakes 2025 Schedule and Ivy League Challenges
The Yale Bulldogs' 2025 schedule is a brutal test of their readiness to compete for an NCAA Tournament bid, featuring perennial powerhouses and the always-challenging Ivy League slate. The season begins with a tough road game at Villanova on February 15th, followed by a home matchup against Army on February 19th.
Key 2025 Matchups to Watch
The non-conference schedule is packed with high-profile games designed to prepare the team for the Ivy League gauntlet:
- March 1st vs. Penn State: A major early-season test at Reese Stadium.
- March 8th vs. Denver: Another top-tier opponent that will challenge the new-look roster.
The Ivy League schedule, known for its intensity and unpredictability, will be the true measure of the team's success. Key conference games include Cornell (March 22nd) and Brown (March 29th) at home, and a crucial road trip to Penn in April. With the Ivy League consistently producing NCAA contenders, every conference game is a high-stakes affair. The Bulldogs are looking to improve on their 2024 conference record of 3-3, which saw them finish on a three-game losing streak.
Topical Authority Entities: Yale Lacrosse's Legacy
The 2025 squad carries the legacy of one of the most storied programs in college lacrosse. The team plays its home games at the historic Reese Stadium in New Haven, CT. The program has a rich history of producing elite talent, with former players like Matt Brandau setting the standard for offensive production. The coaching staff, led by Andy Shay, is committed to the "Bulldogs" tradition of excellence, emphasizing a fast-paced, aggressive style of play that has defined their recent success. The incoming class of 11 first-years represents the future, ensuring the pipeline of talent remains strong as the program aims for its next NCAA Championship appearance.
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