Mike Locksley’s firing has already pushed Maryland into a period of uncertainty, and while no Terrapin has publicly entered the transfer portal yet, that could change once the program hires a permanent head coach. From there, players will have a 15-day window to declare themselves available. For Baylor, that makes this a situation worth watching closely.
The Bears could find real fits if Maryland talent starts to shake loose, especially with a few players who match what Dave Aranda and his staff like to do. One of the names that jumps out is Malik Washington, a sophomore who arrived with major fanfare as a former top 15 national high school prospect. Maryland’s offense struggled this season, but Washington’s physical gifts and upside have him viewed as the most sought-after potential Terrapin transfer if he chooses to move on.
That kind of profile lines up with Baylor’s recent interest in high-ceiling quarterbacks. Aranda and offensive coordinator Jake Spavital recruited DJ Lagway, and Washington’s raw ability could make him an appealing option in a system built to help quarterbacks grow. If one or both of Lagway and Nate Bennett were to leave after this season, Washington could bring youth back into the Bears’ quarterback room next year.
On the defensive side, Zion Elee might be the biggest prize of the group if he ever hits the portal. At 6-foot-4 and 233 pounds, the freshman edge rusher has already produced 7 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles this season. That kind of pass-rushing production makes him one of the most coveted defensive players in the country, and the fact that he’s only a freshman only adds to the appeal.
Baylor’s defensive setup could make sense for him, too. Aranda’s scheme and defensive play-caller Joe Klanderman both lean into pressure coming off the edge, which is exactly where Elee makes his money. Put him in that front, and Baylor would instantly get closer to having one of the Big 12’s most dangerous pass rushes.
Then there’s Darrell Carey, another freshman who could fit what the Bears need in the secondary. At 6-foot-2, he brings size, range and a reputation as a hard-hitting defensive back with starting upside. Baylor has to win in the Big 12 with depth and talent in the back end, and Carey has the look of a player who could handle that role after already spending a season battling Big Ten competition.
If Maryland’s roster starts to move after Locksley’s departure, these are three names Baylor should be prepared to monitor closely.
In Other News...
Mike Locksley Opened Up About Maryland Exit And What Comes Next
After eight seasons at Maryland, Mike Locksley is no longer the head coach of the program, and he says he has made his peace with how it ended. In speaking with ESPN, Locksley reflected on the challenge of trying to rebuild the Terps while navigating the realities that come with trying to stabilize a football program over time.
The part that stood out most in his remarks was the strain of keeping the operation intact while success brought constant turnover around him. Even as he looks ahead to his next step, Locksley said he is weighing a few different paths in the game and beyond it, leaving his future as one of the more interesting storylines to follow now that his Maryland chapter is closed. [Read more 🡒]
Maryland Is Reshaping Buzz Williams Staff Before A Pivotal Season
Maryland is heading into a pivotal season with a reworked Buzz Williams staff and a clear sense that the behind-the-scenes structure matters as much as anything that happens on the floor. Williams recently announced updates for the 2026-27 season, including new titles and responsibilities across the coaching and support staff, as the Terps prepare to open Nov. 2 at home against Bucknell and lean into a year that will also feature special promotions tied to the 25th anniversary of the 2002 NCAA title team.
The moves come with the usual preseason buzz around tickets and expectations, but they also hint at a broader reset in how the program wants to operate day to day. Maryland has already put season tickets and single-game tickets on sale for fans looking ahead, and this next stretch will be about whether the new staff alignment can help sharpen the programs workflow while the spotlight intensifies around a season that figures to draw extra attention in College Park. [Read more 🡒]
Pharrel Payne's Return Could Change Maryland's Biggest Frontcourt Problem
Pharrel Paynes path back has given Maryland a rare bit of good news in a frontcourt that badly needed it. The 6-foot-9 center missed most of last season after two injuries, and the Terps spent the spring waiting to see how his recovery would unfold under Buzz Williams cautious approach. Even before he got back on the floor, Payne has begun to carve out a different role for himself, becoming more vocal around the program as Maryland works to rebuild its interior identity.
The timing matters because Maryland is counting on Payne to be more than just a body in the paint. He is expected to form the backbone of the front line with new teammate Tomislav Buljan, giving the Terps a chance to stabilize the area that caused so many problems a year ago. Paynes return does not solve everything on its own, but it gives Maryland a proven presence and a clear focal point as the next season comes into view. [Read more 🡒]