For the 2026 season, Maryland Terps football aims to bounce back from consecutive 4-8 seasons under head coach Michael Locksley. Armed with a core of returning talent—led by sophomore quarterback Malik Washington and running back DeJuan Williams—the team looks to improve its consistency and avoid the late-game collapses that plagued them in the 2025 season.
“All those losses we had a year ago have now become lessons for a really talented young team,” Locksley said. “The wisdom and experience that we gained going through it I think will benefit us.”
There is certainly reason for optimism as QB Malik Washington returns after a stellar true-freshman campaign where he threw for nearly 3,000 yards, highlighted by a 459-yard, three-touchdown finale against Michigan State. Clint Trickett aims to inject fresh energy, focusing particularly on maximizing quarterback mobility and boosting the ground game. DeJuan Williams returns in the backfield alongside a young, revamped wide receiver room looking for breakout candidates.
On defense, The defense features a formidable, youthful pass rush anchored by sophomore standouts Sidney Stewart, and Nahsir Taylor, alongside five-star freshman edge rusher Zion Elee. The team was counting on Zahir Mathis who suffered a non-contact injury and will be lost for the season.
Terps defensive coordinator Ted Monachino is going to have to rely on several starters who were not with the team last year. Most of the defensive backs will be new to the 2026 team.
The Terps will open their season at SECU Stadium against Hampton on September 5, 2026. A favorable early schedule gives them a legitimate opportunity to build momentum before hitting the heavyweights of the Big Ten conference slate.
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