Mike Locksley enters his eighth season at Maryland following a 4-8 overall record and a 1-7 mark in Big Ten play in 2025. Clint Trickett takes over as offensive coordinator, while Malik Washington returns as the established starting quarterback after a productive freshman season.

Maryland had to replace several leading receivers after the departures of Shaleak Knotts, Jalil Farooq, and Octavian Smith Jr. Even so, Kaleb Webb returns at receiver, while Old Dominion transfer Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding and Wyoming transfer Chris Durr Jr. have quickly emerged as key additions to the receiving corps. Dorian Fleming returns at tight end, while Auburn transfer Preston Howard returns to College Park and adds another experienced option at the position. DeJuan Williams also returns as Maryland’s lead running back and provides another option in the passing game out of the backfield. Update (Sept. 21): RB DeJuan Williams is expected to miss approximately one month with an undisclosed injury. Up front, the offensive line returns three full-time starters in Rahtrel Perry, Isaiah Wright, and Michael Hershey, each of whom made 12 starts last season.

Ted Monachino returns as defensive coordinator, and Maryland brings back much of last season’s defensive production. In all, seven of the Terrapins’ top eleven tacklers from 2025 return, led by linebacker Daniel Wingate. Carlton Smith and Trey Reddick also return at linebacker, while Sidney Stewart returns in the front seven after making 11 starts, and Eyan Thomas returns after making eight. In the secondary, the Terrapins bring back Lavain Scruggs, Messiah Delhomme, and Jamare Glasker, while Boston College transfer Amari Jackson joins the group.

Matt Barnes takes over as special teams coordinator. Sean O’Haire returns at placekicker, while Bryce McFerson returns at punter. In addition, Iverson Howard brings punt-return experience, while Howard and Ricardo Cooper are among the options at kickoff return.

Overall, Maryland enters 2026 with considerable continuity after returning 71 percent of its overall production from last season. That returning production gives the Terrapins a more established roster as they enter Locksley’s eighth season, with Washington providing stability at quarterback, three full-time starters back along the offensive line, and seven of the Terrapins’ top eleven tacklers returning on defense. Maryland also added experience at several positions through the transfer portal.