Malik Washington Returning to Maryland in 2026: Terps Lock In Their QB1
What had long been expected is now official: Malik Washington is coming back to College Park. The standout freshman quarterback has agreed to return to Maryland football for the 2026 season, the program announced Saturday.
Details of Washington’s deal haven’t been made public, but the impact is crystal clear-Maryland just secured the centerpiece of its offense for another year.
Washington didn’t just flash potential in his first season-he delivered. Thrown into the fire from the opening snap, the 6-foot-5, 231-pound signal-caller didn’t flinch.
He led the Big Ten in both completions and pass attempts, a clear sign of just how much the Terps put on his plate. By season’s end, he had racked up 2,963 passing yards, 21 total touchdowns, and nine interceptions-numbers that placed him among the top freshman quarterbacks in the country.
This isn’t just a win for Washington’s development-it’s a major boost for head coach Michael Locksley, who’s now confirmed to return for his eighth season in 2026. Despite back-to-back 4-8 campaigns, Locksley remains at the helm, and Washington’s return is a key reason why. Locksley played a pivotal role in recruiting Washington, and keeping him in the fold gives Maryland a strong foundation to build around as they try to climb back into Big Ten relevance.
But the quarterback room isn’t the only spot drawing attention in College Park. On the defensive side, Maryland has a good problem brewing.
Freshman edge rushers Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis both made noise this season, but with five-star recruit Zion Elee entering the mix, someone could be the odd man out. Coaches have hinted at creative packages to get all three on the field at once, but don’t be surprised if the transfer portal becomes a factor here.
There’s only so much playing time to go around, and talent like this doesn’t like sitting on the bench.
Around Maryland Athletics
Elsewhere on campus, Maryland men’s basketball gave fans a rollercoaster of a night. The Terps stunned No.
2 Michigan with a five-point halftime lead in their Big Ten home opener, but the upset bid unraveled in the second half. Maryland ultimately fell 101-83, a tough result after such a promising start.
On the pitch, Maryland men’s soccer standout Lasse Kelp earned a major honor, being named to the United Soccer Coaches’ All-American first team-a well-deserved nod for one of the top defenders in the college game.
Wrestling hit a rough patch over the weekend, with the Terps falling 35-3 in a dual meet against No. 16 Pitt.
Maryland gymnastics got a preseason tune-up in with its intrasquad meet on Sunday, giving fans an early look at the squad’s form heading into the winter season.
Off the field, 22 Maryland athletes officially graduated as the fall semester came to a close-an important milestone for any program emphasizing both academic and athletic success.
And on the international stage, Maryland field hockey stars Josie Hollamon and Alyssa Klebasko continued their run at the FIH Junior World Cup, representing the program on one of the sport’s biggest youth stages.
Bottom line: With Malik Washington locked in for 2026, Maryland football has its leader. Now it’s about building the right pieces around him-and finding a way to turn potential into wins.