Maryland football just added a big piece-literally and figuratively-to its offensive line with the commitment of Tellek Lockette, a 6-foot-3, 327-pound interior lineman from Texas State. Lockette becomes the Terps’ eighth portal addition this offseason and the first to bolster the offensive trenches, bringing both size and experience to a unit that’s looking to reload, not rebuild.
Lockette made his pledge to Maryland after a two-day visit to College Park that wrapped up Tuesday. He chose the Terps over a handful of other suitors, including Arkansas, Rutgers, and South Carolina. His arrival gives Maryland an immediate contributor on the interior line, with one year of eligibility remaining.
And make no mistake-Lockette isn’t just a depth piece. He’s a plug-and-play option who fits right into a starting role, particularly in the wake of Aliou Bah’s departure.
Lockette has logged over 1,000 pass-blocking snaps in his college career and allowed just four sacks and 14 hurries in that span, according to Pro Football Focus. That kind of production, especially at right guard-where he’s taken all but four career snaps-is exactly what Maryland needs up front.
Lockette’s football journey began at powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida, where he was rated a three-star recruit.
He started his collegiate career at Texas State, cracking the lineup as a true freshman with five starts in eight games. By 2023, he had developed into a full-time starter and one of the top pass-protecting guards in the Sun Belt, earning the fourth-highest grade in pass pro among guards in the conference, per PFF.
His 2024 season was his most complete yet-13 starts at right guard and preseason all-conference recognition from both Phil Steele and Athlon Sports heading into 2025. But an early-season lower leg injury in 2025 limited him to just four games. He opted to redshirt, preserving a final year of eligibility that Maryland now benefits from.
With Lockette in the fold, the Terps’ offensive line room is shaping up with a strong mix of veteran presence and young talent. Left tackle Rahtrel Perry and center Michael Hershey are both back, providing continuity at key spots.
Isaiah Wright is also expected to return after a season-ending injury in 2024, using his extra year of eligibility. Behind them, redshirt freshman tackle Jaylen Gilchrist, redshirt sophomore interior lineman Ryan Howerton, and sophomore IOL Amory Hills give the unit a solid foundation heading into 2026.
Lockette is the latest addition to what’s been a busy and productive portal cycle for Maryland. He joins a group of newcomers that includes Old Dominion wide receiver Na’eem Gladding, Auburn tight end Preston Howard, Texas defensive lineman Lavon Johnson, UCF defensive lineman Derrick LeBlanc, USC running back Harry Dalton III, Wyoming wideout Chris Durr Jr., and Boston College cornerback Amari Jackson.
For Maryland, this isn’t just about filling holes-it’s about building a roster that can compete right now. And with Lockette anchoring the interior line, the Terps just got a whole lot tougher in the trenches.