A New Face at the Helm
Malik Washington enters his sophomore year as the confirmed starter for Maryland’s 2026 campaign, having impressed with 2,963 passing yards and 17 touchdowns during a freshman season that featured 12 starts. His performance culminated in a dominant finale against Nebraska, where he threw for 459 yards and three scores, underscoring a strong arm and poise under pressure.
Head coach Mike Locksley and offensive coordinator Clint Trickett have built an scheme that leans on Washington’s dual-threat capabilities, blending a run‑heavy philosophy with a balanced passing attack. The design expects the quarterback to be heavily involved in rushing decisions, a shift that could amplify his impact beyond the traditional pocket passer role.
Depth Chart in Flux
The Terps’ depth at quarterback remains unsettled. Three transfers — Justyn Martin, Khristian Martin and Roman Jensen — have departed, while Jackson Hamilton is slated to redshirt after converting to wide receiver. Among the internal options, Cardell Williams, a redshirt senior from Sacramento State, brings a 63.1% career completion rate and a knack for red‑zone rushing, having amassed 378 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Jack Capaldi, a graduate student with nine starting appearances at Fordham, posted 1,573 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, while three‑star recruit Nathan Bernhard is expected to redshirt after a high‑school career that yielded 2,878 passing yards and 31 scores.
Washington’s leadership will be tested early, as the offense struggled in close games during an eight‑game losing streak that included three consecutive defeats to end the previous season. Those late‑game setbacks highlighted the need for the quarterback to elevate his decision‑making and adaptability under pressure.
If the Terps can harness Washington’s arm strength and mobility while developing reliable backup options, the 2026 schedule could see a marked improvement. The coaching staff’s emphasis on a balanced run‑pass attack suggests that the quarterback’s role will continue to expand, making his growth a central storyline for Maryland fans.