Maryland’s offense stumbled through the 2025 season, finishing last in the Big Ten with just 104.3 rushing yards per game—the lowest total the program has posted since entering the conference in 2014. The team managed only 305 rushing attempts all year, a figure that underscored a dire lack of a functional ground attack.
At the heart of that limited production was sophomore DeJuan Williams, who managed 128 carries for 501 yards and three touchdowns despite being confined to a peripheral role in an air‑raid system orchestrated by former coordinator Pep Hamilton. Williams accounted for roughly 64 percent of the Terps’ total rushing yards, highlighting both his talent and the constraints placed on him.
A New Playbook Brings Fresh Freedom
Enter Clint Trickett, the team’s newly appointed offensive coordinator, who has pledged to inject speed and versatility into the playbook. Trickett’s spread formations are designed to free Williams, allowing him to exploit his dual‑threat abilities as both a runner and a receiver, while also opening opportunities for the other backs on the roster.
The depth chart now features Iverson Howard, a four‑star recruit from Gaithersburg who handled 39 carries in 2025 but primarily served as a kick returner, and redshirt freshman Harry Dalton III, who averaged 5.5 yards per carry in limited action and is expected to anchor short‑yardage situations. Transfer Terrez Worthy, who previously posted 496 yards and five touchdowns at Temple, adds another dimension with his speed and knack for finding the end zone.
Meanwhile, Malik Washington, who led the Big Ten in passing attempts last season out of necessity, may finally see his workload ease if the rushing attack clicks. The shift could also benefit redshirt junior DJ Samuels and the unconverted linebacker Solomon Foye, who, despite limited game time in 2025, bring versatility that the new scheme hopes to unlock.
If the combination of Williams’ breakout potential and Trickett’s scheme translates into consistent yardage, Maryland could reverse a decade‑long downward trend and contend more competitively within the conference. The 2026 season thus stands as a pivotal test for the program’s ability to rebuild its rushing identity.