Maryland’s football program is currently positioned at No. 52 in CBS Sports’ 2026 preseason power rankings, placing the Terrapins just above Mississippi State and just below Baylor in a crowded national landscape.
The Big Ten’s Recent Supremacy
The conference has cemented its status as the nation’s most dominant force, capturing three of the past four national championships and posting the best postseason record against every other league. Over the last two seasons the Big Ten has compiled a .500 or better mark against all nine of its rivals, underscoring its depth and consistency.
Maryland’s placement at No. 52 sits within a tightly contested band where modest gains in execution, discipline, and playmaking can dramatically alter a team’s perception. The Terrapins sit between Baylor at No. 53 and Mississippi State at No. 51, a range that often separates programs on the cusp of breakthrough from those still searching for identity.
Head coach Mike Locksley knows that merely being part of the Big Ten is not enough; the environment demands a sharper offensive identity and tighter situational awareness. His staff, led by offensive coordinator Clint Trickett, promotes a philosophy of ‘using every blade of grass’ — emphasizing spacing, tempo, and the creation of explosive plays to unlock defenses.
Beyond scheme, Maryland benefits from a degree of roster continuity and cultural stability that is increasingly rare in an era of frequent transfers. That foundation offers the coaching staff a unique opportunity to instill accountability and urgency, traits that could prove decisive as the team seeks to translate its potential into consistent on‑field success.