On Wednesday, Maryland field hockey head coach Missy Meharg took to the podium to unveil the Terrapins' 2026 campaign, a schedule that promises both rigor and opportunity. The announcement underscored an 18‑game regular season, eight of which will be played on the familiar turf of the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex.
Preparation begins with two exhibition matches against Richmond and James Madison, followed by a final preseason tune‑up against La Salle on August 22. The regular season officially opens with the Conference Cup, a home‑hosted event on August 28 and 30 that will feature Maryland, Drexel, Temple and James Madison.
During the first road stretch, the Terps travel to Massachusetts for the B1G/ACC Challenge, where they will meet Boston College on September 4 and Duke two days later. Back in College Park, Maryland will host Towson and Saint Joseph's in consecutive home games before heading to Penn State.
The latter half of the season brings a blend of non‑conference and Big Ten matchups. After contests against Princeton and Delaware, the team faces a pivotal October stretch that includes road games at Michigan and Northwestern, while also hosting Michigan State and Ohio State.
The regular season concludes with a road trip to Indiana, followed by a senior‑day showdown against Iowa at home. Throughout the schedule, the Terrapins will encounter seven opponents who earned NCAA Tournament berths the previous year, underscoring the competitive nature of the slate.
Postseason Outlook
Postseason action begins with the Big Ten Tournament in Columbus, Ohio, from November 5‑8. The NCAA Tournament’s first and second rounds are slated for November 13‑15, and the Final Four will take place in Louisville, Kentucky, from November 20‑22, offering the Terrapins a chance to extend their campaign deep into the national stage.