Maryland’s defensive backfield entered the 2025 season as one of the nation’s most productive, ranking sixth with 19 interceptions. The unit’s success, however, was short‑lived as the departures of Jalen Huskey and Dontay Joyner erased more than 31 percent of that output.
Key departures reshaped the unit
Huskey, an All‑Big Ten safety, led the team with four picks and ranked second in tackles, while Joyner’s abrupt exit followed a mutual agreement with coach Mike Locksley after his June arrest.
In response, the Terps have bolstered the secondary with a mix of veteran transfers and promising youngsters. Redshirt senior Jamare Glasker became the first Maryland player since 2014 to intercept in three consecutive games, and his pick‑six against UCLA highlighted his playmaking ability.
Redshirt freshman/sophomore Lavain Scruggs broke out in 2025, starting all 12 contests and finishing third on the team with 64 tackles, including a career‑high 11 against Illinois. Coach Locksley also brought in West Virginia transfer Jordan Scruggs, who is expected to compete for a starting role.
Freshmen such as Messiah Delhomme and Jayden Shipps add depth. Delhomme, a nationally ranked safety, contributed 39 tackles, four pass breakups and two blocked kicks, while Shipps logged 11 tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss across every game.
Despite the additions, the secondary allowed all but two opponents to surpass 200 passing yards, underscoring the work ahead. Freshman Amari Jackson, a former Boston College starter, returns from injury but is expected to provide experience when healthy.