Offense
The quarterback position belongs to Malik Washington. He set program records for a freshman last season for completions and yards. There is hope that he can run more this season as well. At 6-foot-5, he is quite the athlete. His completion percentage would have been much higher if it wasn’t for drops.
The running back room some experience in DeJuan Williams and Iverson Howard. Williams is also a legitimate threat out of the backfield as a pass catcher. The addition of Harry Dalton III (USC) provides another threat out of the backfield.
The wide receiver room returns some experience in Kaleb Webb, Ryan Manning, Jordan Scott, and tight end Dorian Fleming. The additions of Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding (Old Dominion), Chris Durr Jr. (Wyoming), Ejani Shakir (JUCO), and tight end Preston Howard (Auburn) help form this into a solid unit.
The offensive line room returns experience in Michael Hershey, Rahtrel Perry, Isaiah Wright, Ryan Howerton, and Carlos Moore. The addition of Tellek Lockette (Texas State) provides another solid piece on the interior of the offensive line.
Defense
The defensive line room is stocked full of talent. Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis are quality edge rushers. EJ Moore Jr. and Evan Thomas return with experience. The additions of Jayvon Parker (Washington), Armon Parker (Washington), Lavon Johnson (Texas), Derrick LeBlanc (UCF), and true freshman edge Zion Elee are massive.
The linebacker room features Sidnery Stewart, Zahir Mathis, Daniel Wingate (All-Big 10), Darius Grimes, Carlton Smith, Trey Reddick, and Nahsir Taylor. Stewart and Mathis can do it all for this defense. The additions of Stephen Dean III (VMI) and true freshman Zion Elee provide even more depth. Elee is arguably the top ranked recruit in program history.
The secondary returns production in Jamare Glasker, Dontay Joyner, Lavain Scruggs, and Messiah Delhomme, among others. Glasker and Joyner are on NFL scouts’ radar at cornerback. The additions of Amari Jackson (Boston College) and true freshman Darrell Carry help make this a solid unit.
Specialists
Maryland is blessed with two All-Big 10 performers. Kicker Sean O’Haire had the second-best season in program history. Making 87.5% of his kicks. Punter Bryce McFerson is an absolute field position weapon.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 Hampton
- 9/12 at UConn
- 9/19 Virginia Tech
- 9/26 UCLA
- 10/3 at Nebraska
- 10/10 at Ohio State
- 10/17 Rutgers
- 10/31 Illinois
- 11/7 at Purdue
- 11/14 Wisconsin
- 11/21 at USC
- 11/28 Penn State
Final Analysis
The clock is ticking for Mike Locksley. Impressive recruiting classes are great, now the Terps need production. The good news is over 70% of last season’s statistical production returns. That is second nationally behind Notre Dame. This squad will be bigger and stronger to compete in the Big 10.
