Game #6: Terps at Ohio State could be the beginning of the end!

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Head coach Mike Locksley and the Maryland Terrapins face their toughest test of the season on Saturday as they walk into the Horseshoe to battle No. 5 Ohio State. Maryland heads to Ohio State for the sixth time in program history and its first meeting with the Buckeyes since 2023. The Terps have scored first in each of their last two trips to Columbus and in three of five overall. Sitting at 2-3, the Terps are searching for the offensive spark and consistency that has eluded them in recent weeks. To pull off the monumental upset, Maryland will need to lean heavily on its formidable pass rush to disrupt the Buckeyes’ high-powered aerial attack.

With all of the calls for Locksley’s dismissal, can he pull off the miracle and upset Ohio State and quiet his detractors? That is a tall order. The Terps look great for 20 minutes at Nebraska last week and then squandered that lead and lost 48-23. That seems to be the way it has gone with this Terps team for the past 2 1/2 seasons.

“Obviously the last three weeks isn’t good enough, and isn’t the standard that we need to have for our program. Our players know it. We, as coaches, know it. Obviously, I know it. Nobody’s hanging their heads. Got a lot of work to do. We’ll keep working through it.”
— Locksley said on Tuesday in his pre-game media session

Maryland is led by sophomore quarterback Malik Washington who has had at least 30 passing attempts in eight straight games, the longest active streak in the FBS. The only Terps with longer streaks this century are Taulia Tagovailoa (15-game run in 2022-23) and Billy Edwards Jr. (nine-game stretch in 2024). He is one of only two Big Ten quarterbacks with at least 120 completions through his team’s first five games this season, joining USC’s Jayden Maiava (131).

Top receiver, Chris Durr Jr., ranks second in the nation with 8.4 receptions per game, trailing only Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith. Durr also ranks Top 5 in the Big Ten in receiving yards (461) and receiving yards per game (92.2). He has recorded at least six receptions in each of his five games this season. Tai Felton is the only Maryland player with a longer streak this century, recording six straight games in 2024.

Key Storylines:

Struggling Terps Need a Spark: Maryland enters the contest at 2-3 overall, looking to find consistency on offense under head coach Mike Locksley. While wide receiver Chris Durr Jr. poses a threat, inconsistent quarterback play and execution have troubled the Terrapins. Establishing the run game via DeJuan Williams—who came back strong last week with 78 yards and a touchdown—will be vital to keeping the offense on track.
Buckeyes’ Pass Protection Test: Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and star receiver Jeremiah Smith have been putting up big numbers, though the offensive line is looking to bounce back after giving up four sacks last week against Iowa. They face a Maryland pass rush that ranks third in the Big Ten with 14 sacks, led by DD Holmes (2.5 sacks), Derrick LeBlanc (2.5 sacks), and Eyan Thomas (2 sacks).
Ohio State Injury Watch: The Buckeyes enter their homecoming game with several names listed as questionable, including wide receivers Devin McCuin and Brandon Inniss, right tackle Phillip Daniels, linebacker Christian Alliegro, and nickelback Jay Timmons. Safety Leroy Roker III is ruled out.

Matchup Overview:

Teams: Maryland Terrapins (2-3) at Ohio State Buckeyes (No. 5)
Date & Time: Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 4:15 PM EDT
Location: Columbus, Ohio (Ohio Stadium / Homecoming Game)
Broadcast: BTN with Play-By-Play: Mark Followill, Analyst: Jake Butt, Sideline Reporter: Brooke Fletcher