A Rebuilding Year in College Park
Maryland’s football program has oscillated between brief bursts of postseason success and a lingering 4‑8 slump that has defined the last two seasons. After three consecutive bowl appearances from 2021 through 2023, the Terrapins slipped back to a losing record in back‑to‑back years, a trend that the coaching staff hopes to reverse before the 2026 campaign.
At the heart of the revival is sophomore quarterback Malik Washington, a 6‑5, 231‑pound playmaker who completed 58 % of his passes last year while adding 17 touchdowns through the air and averaging 5.4 yards per carry on the ground. His blend of size, arm strength and mobility has turned him into the centerpiece of the offense.
Quarterback Malik Washington’s Dual Threat
Washington’s emergence coincides with the arrival of new offensive coordinator Clint Trickett, who is expected to unleash a spread attack designed to exploit the quarterback’s versatility. The scheme promises to stretch defenses horizontally and create more open space for the Terps’ playmakers.
Backup duties will be shared by Devin Kargman, a Kent State transfer whose career passer rating sits at 49 %, providing depth at the position. In the backfield, sophomore running back DeJuan Williams logged 501 yards and three touchdowns, though his 3.9‑yard average per carry highlights the need for improvement in the run game.
New Schemes and Supporting Cast
The receiving corps is undergoing a reconstruction, with only junior tight end Dorian Fleming returning as a proven starter after catching 40 passes for 351 yards and three scores. The coaching staff is counting on the development of younger pass catchers to complement Fleming’s experience.
The offensive line, a unit that has struggled for consistency, brings back two starters: junior center Michael Hershey and senior left tackle Rahtrel Perry. Adding Texas State guard Tellek Lockette, who has logged 31 career starts, could provide the stability needed to protect Washington and open lanes for the running game.
Defensive Outlook
Defensively, the Terps will rely on senior middle linebacker Daniel Wingate, a third‑team All‑Big Ten selection who recorded 102 tackles last season, and junior defensive end Eyan Thomas, who posted 27 stops. The secondary features senior safety Lavain Scruggs, who ranked third on the team with 64 tackles, along with transfers Amari Jackson, Jamare Glasker and Dontay Joyner seeking to bolster the unit.
Despite the challenges, Maryland’s Big Ten media poll placed the team 15th for the upcoming season, ahead of rivals such as Michigan State, Rutgers and Purdue. The poll reflects cautious optimism that a more favorable schedule and the infusion of returning talent could translate into bowl eligibility and a stronger finish.