Maryland Terrapins

Maryland brings back 71% of its 2025 statistical production, the second-highest rate in the nation behind only Notre Dame. That experience is spread across the roster, with eight defensive starters returning and key offensive pieces like quarterback Malik Washington, running back DeJuan Williams, and offensive linemen Michael Hershey, Rahtrel Perry, and Isaiah Wright all back. The Terrapins also added impact transfers in wide receivers Na'eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding and Chris Durr Jr., plus cornerback Amari Jackson from Boston College. This is the most veteran group head coach Mike Locksley has had in his tenure, and the expectation is that maturity translates into more consistent play.

Washington set freshman school records for completions and yards last season, and he showed toughness that impressed opposing coaches, who noted he took hits without being rattled. New offensive coordinator Clint Trickett wants Washington to run more and operate a faster, more motion-heavy offense with more snaps. But Washington can't do it alone: Maryland ranked next-to-last in the Big Ten in rushing at 104.3 yards per game, and the wide receiver group was among the national leaders in drops. Williams (45 catches) and tight end Dorian Fleming (40) were actually more reliable targets than any wideout, as Kaleb Webb led the returning receivers with just 22 catches. The offensive line, which allowed the fifth-fewest sacks per game nationally, should give Washington time, but the running game and pass-catching consistency need to improve for the offense to take a real step forward.

The defensive front has a chance to be the team's most disruptive unit. Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis were Freshman All-America ends last year, and they're joined by Zion Elee, arguably the most highly touted recruit in Maryland history. Returning 300-pounders Lavon Johnson and Eyan Thomas give the Terrapins size in the middle, and the coaching staff has talked up the depth across the line. That group should help a defense that has veteran playmakers behind it, including two-year starting linebacker Daniel Wingate, his running mate Trey Reddick, and cornerbacks Dontay Joyner and Jamare Glasker, both of whom are considered draft prospects. If the front can generate consistent pressure, the secondary could thrive.

Maryland has one of the best kicking tandems in the Big Ten. Sean O'Haire was a first-team All-Big Ten kicker, leading the conference with 1.75 made field goals per game and posting the second-most accurate season in school history at 87.5%. Punter Bryce McFerson averaged 44.2 yards per punt, second in the league, and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. That combination gives the Terrapins a consistent scoring threat and a field position advantage in what could be several close conference games.

Despite the returning talent, Maryland is coming off a season in which they lost eight straight games, and head coach Mike Locksley is entering his eighth year with a 37-49 record at the school. The roster is more experienced and physically stronger, but the program hasn't yet turned that into consistent wins. One opposing Big Ten assistant noted that people around the program want Locksley to succeed, but the clock is ticking. The season opener against Hampton is a chance to build confidence, but the real test will come in Big Ten play, where the Terrapins need to show they can close out games and avoid another late-season collapse.