Maryland enters 2026 with continuity on offense, led by quarterback Malik Washington and a returning core around him. Mike Locksley enters his eighth season at Maryland following a 4-8 (1-7 Big Ten) campaign in 2025, and Clint Trickett takes over as offensive coordinator. Maryland must replace several of its leading receivers after the departures of Shaleak Knotts, Jalil Farooq, and Octavian Smith Jr. Kaleb Webb returns at receiver, while Dorian Fleming returns at tight end and DeJuan Williams provides another option in the passing game out of the backfield. To help fill those vacancies, Old Dominion transfer Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding and Wyoming transfer Chris Durr Jr. join the receiving corps, while Auburn transfer Preston Howard returns to College Park at tight end. Williams also returns as Maryland’s lead running back. The offensive line returns three full-time starters in Rahtrel Perry, Isaiah Wright, and Michael Hershey, each of whom made 12 starts last season.

Maryland enters 2026 with continuity on defense, led by seven of its top eleven tacklers from 2025 and a group that remains largely intact. Ted Monachino returns as defensive coordinator. Defensive back Dontay Joyner has since left the program, and defensive end Zahir Mathis will miss the 2026 season with an injury. Seven of Maryland’s top eleven tacklers from 2025 remain available entering the season, led by linebacker Daniel Wingate. Carlton Smith and Trey Reddick also return at linebacker, while Sidney Stewart returns along the defensive front after making 11 starts, and Eyan Thomas returns after making eight. The secondary brings back Lavain Scruggs, Messiah Delhomme, and Jamare Glasker, while Boston College transfer Amari Jackson joins the group.

Maryland enters 2026 with continuity at quarterback, along the offensive line, on special teams, and on defense, while seven of its top eleven tacklers from last season remain available. Matt Barnes takes over as special teams coordinator. Sean O’Haire returns at placekicker, while Bryce McFerson returns at punter. Iverson Howard brings experience in the punt-return game, while Howard and Ricardo Cooper are among the options to handle kickoff returns.