A Season of Near Misses
Maryland finished the last two campaigns with identical 4‑8 records, but the narrative behind those numbers tells a different story. The Terrapins led in eleven of twelve games over that span, only to stumble in three tightly contested matchups against Washington, Nebraska and UCLA.
Coach Michael Locksley points to a combination of inexperience and trench vulnerabilities as the root cause of those late‑game collapses. He argues that the team’s talent was undervalued by the final record, especially given the narrow margins in those losses.
Key Returners and New Additions
At the heart of the offense is quarterback Malik Washington, who burst onto the scene as a first‑year starter and topped the conference with 473 passing attempts, amassing 2,963 yards and 17 touchdowns. Locksley highlights Washington’s growth in leadership, noting that the quarterback’s offseason work has sharpened his ability to command the huddle.
Adding to the mix, offensive coordinator Clint Trickett has introduced a game plan that incorporates designed quarterback runs, giving the Terrapins a fresh dimension to exploit. The scheme is designed to complement Washington’s skill set while easing the burden on the ground game.
The running back corps will see a boost with the arrival of transfers Harry Dalton III and Terrez Worthy, joining holdover DeJuan Williams. Their presence is expected to lift Maryland out of the bottom tier of the Big Ten in rushing yards, a category the team finished last in the previous season.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With under five weeks of the offseason remaining, Locksley expresses confidence that the tough times are behind the program. He envisions a 2026 season where the Terrapins capitalize on returning production, improved trench play, and a more dynamic offensive attack.