Bobby Van Buren Out for Season After Tearing ACL in Practice
February 2, 2026
USA Lacrosse Magazine Staff
Ohio State Athletics
Ohio State's Bobby Van Buren, the reigning IMLCA Co-Defensive Player of the Year, will miss the 2026 season after tearing his ACL in practice last week. Buckeyes head coach Nick Myers confirmed the news to Inside Lacrosse's Terry Foy on Monday.
Van Buren, a graduate student, is expected to have surgery next week.
He was notably absent from the season opener, a 19-3 win over Detroit Mercy on Sunday. Whether or not he can receive a waiver to come back for the 2027 season has yet to be determined.
One of the best lockdown defender in lacrosse, Van Buren compiled 24 ground balls and 16 caused turnovers during his exceptional senior season in 2025. Naturally, he was named a first-team USA Lacrosse Division I Men's Preseason All-American, and big things were expected from him as the anchor of No. 11 Ohio State's defense.
In his absence, Jonny Cool started on defense alongside Kyle Foster and Cullen Brown.
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