Maryland football scored a significant win this past weekend with the commitment of Brayden Marko, a promising tight end from the local scene. During a high-stakes official visit weekend, the Terps welcomed Marko into their Class of 2026, adding yet another talented prospect to their roster.
Standing tall at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 240 pounds, Marko hails from Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. He's not just a physical presence on the field; he’s brains and brawn, having been named to High School Football America's 2024 all-academic team for D.C. With offers from a range of institutions including Army, Air Force, and Ivy League schools like Cornell and Dartmouth, Maryland certainly has landed a versatile asset.
Marko himself seems convinced he’s made the right choice. "I was already super big on Maryland," Marko shared, reflecting on his previous visits and the thorough comparison he conducted with what other programs offered. "When I compared everything, nothing really compared with what Maryland was offering me."
Known for his ability to both block and catch, Marko fits the "do-it-all guy" mold—a role Maryland envisions him thriving in. His dynamic skill set gives him the ability to both dominate on the line and stretch the field, making him a versatile weapon that Maryland has been keen on adding.
With Marko's commitment, Maryland’s recruiting class for 2026 now includes six promising athletes, five of whom are local talents. His addition marks the second pledge from the D.C. area, following defensive back Zahir Cobb of St. Albans.
"It definitely feels great being an early commit and part of what everyone is trying to build," Marko expressed. Emphasizing the rich talent pool in the DMV, he added, "As long as we continue to recruit the guys in the area, we can help build Maryland to be a national contender."
The Terps have set their sights on building momentum off a recruiting class that secured a No. 30 national ranking in 2025. Adding talents like Marko and the No. 2 player in the Class of 2026, Zion Elee, is all part of that ambitious blueprint.
Marko’s next step with Maryland includes an official visit to College Park from June 20-22, where he’ll further immerse himself in the program that’s captured his commitment and football dreams.
