Maryland’s 2026 Recruiting Class
Maryland head coach Sasho Cirovski has announced a 13‑player signing for the 2026 season, a group that includes five transfers and eight freshmen, designed to replace the departures that followed the program’s recent postseason run.
Among the newcomers, forward Marco Wright arrives after a season in which he tallied five goals and four assists, while defender Lilian Fichelle brings 1,763 minutes of collegiate experience and an All‑CAA first‑team selection. Midfielder Zack Harris, an All‑Big West second‑team honoree, adds depth to the midfield.
The freshman class features Dominic Ayella, who posted 18 goals and five assists at Lindsey Wilson College, and defender Ljubomir Popovic, who made 35 starts over two seasons at Tyler Junior College. Goalkeeper Zach Cielewich, a product of DC United’s academy, will back up Laurin Mack.
Other high‑profile freshmen include forward Said El Eyssami, who scored 12 goals in eight games at Northwood Prep, Rodrigo Neri, a nine‑goal contributor for Atlantic United 2 and a U.S. youth national team participant, and Antoine Coupland, who appeared in 58 matches for Vancouver Whitecaps 2.
Midfielders Jason Atakora and Maxwell Sekyi, former teammates at Exulted FC in Ghana’s second division, join the squad alongside forward Dennis Kalanzi, who topped his side in assists in the Ugandan Premier League.
Coach Cirovski characterized the class as one of the most diverse and talented he has assembled, noting that the new players are expected to accelerate the team’s growth and raise the locker‑room standard.
With a blend of proven collegiate performers and promising prospects, the Terrapins hope the additions will translate into continued success on the national stage.