Maryland Football’s Recruiting Momentum: Flips, Five-Stars, and What’s Next for the Terps
The future of Maryland football just got a little clearer - and a lot more exciting. Quarterback Malik Washington made it official: he’s staying in College Park. His simple but powerful message - “This is home” - gave fans and coaches alike a reason to believe that the Terps are building something sustainable under Head Coach Mike Locksley.
That belief is backed up by action. Just days after Maryland locked in its 2026 recruiting class, Locksley and his staff pulled off one of the more impressive hauls of the early signing period. With six total flips, including a headline-grabbing commitment from local five-star EDGE Zion Elee, the Terps didn’t just hold serve - they made noise.
Flipping the Script
Locksley’s recruiting sprint to the finish line wasn’t just about numbers - it was about quality and timing. And perhaps most impressively, it was about where these players were coming from.
Let’s start with Darrell Carey, a safety who had been committed to Penn State. After a wave of departures from State College following the exit of Head Coach James Franklin, Carey found a new home closer to his actual one. Maryland capitalized on the moment, giving Carey a familiar environment and a clear path to playing time.
Then there’s Cam Brickle, a three-star defensive lineman from IMG Academy. Originally pledged to Ohio State, Brickle flipped to Maryland after an official visit for the Terps' home finale against Michigan. That game, despite the result on the field, turned out to be a major recruiting win for Locksley.
The flips kept coming. Nathan Bernhard, a quarterback previously committed to Appalachian State, made the switch to Maryland the very next day. He’s currently the only signal-caller in the class, a critical addition for a position where depth is always at a premium.
The Michigan game also played a key role in bringing Sean Johnson, a defensive back from Archbishop Spalding, back into the fold. Johnson had been committed to Florida State but used his visit to rekindle his relationship with the Terps. He flipped verbally on November 24 and made it official on signing day.
Josiah Teasley, a wide receiver who had been pledged to Virginia, was the first flip of signing day morning. He’ll team up again with his high school teammate Jayden Kitchens in Maryland’s class, and like others, cited the Michigan game visit as a turning point in his decision.
The final flip was Jamarcus Whyce, a defensive lineman from Ohio who had been committed to Purdue. While he wasn’t at the Michigan game, his longstanding relationship with the Maryland staff - built through an official visit in June - kept the door open.
He walked through it on signing day. Bonus: Whyce is the older brother of Jameer Whyce, a five-star prospect in the 2028 class.
A Small Class with Big-Time Talent
Maryland signed 16 high school prospects during the early signing period. That number might not jump off the page, but the quality certainly does. Ranked 42nd nationally, the class is top-heavy in talent and strategically built.
The crown jewel is Zion Elee, a five-star EDGE who now holds the distinction of being the highest-rated player ever to sign with Maryland - yes, even higher than Stefon Diggs. Elee isn’t just a big name; he’s a game-changer, the kind of player who can anchor a defense and elevate a program.
The class also includes four-stars Kaden Carter, Day’jon Moore, and Jamarcus Whyce, giving Maryland some serious juice in the trenches. Add in top-60 positional talents like Carey, Johnson, Bernhard, tight ends Javonte Williams and Damon Hall Jr., and defensive backs Hakim Satterwhite and Zahir Cobb, and you’ve got a well-rounded group ready to compete.
And with the class size on the smaller side, there’s room to maneuver. The transfer portal opens on January 2, and Maryland is expected to be aggressive. The Terps could add 10-15 more players, targeting immediate contributors who can fill some key positional gaps.
What’s Next: Portal Targets and Position Priorities
While the early signing period gave Maryland a solid foundation, there’s still work to be done. The Terps are expected to focus on three key areas: offensive line, defensive back, and wide receiver.
Locksley has a reputation for finding hidden gems and building strong relationships with DMV-area players - even those who initially chose to leave the region. That pipeline could pay dividends again, especially with some high-level talent now in the portal looking for a fresh start.
Here are a few names to keep an eye on:
- DeAndre Moore Jr. (WR) - After a productive season in the SEC (500+ yards, 7 TDs), Moore could bring big-play ability and veteran savvy to a Maryland wide receiver room that needs both.
- Elijah Moore (WR) - A Good Counsel product and former Florida State wideout, Moore’s 6-foot-4 frame and local roots make him a natural fit to return home and lead from day one.
- Tank Hawkins (WR) - At 5-9, 178 pounds, Hawkins brings shiftiness and speed to the slot. He previously committed to Florida but has Big Ten ties and could be intrigued by the opportunity in College Park.
- Christian Richter (OL) - A Baltimore native with a 6-foot-6, 300-pound build, Richter is leaving Marshall and could be a plug-and-play option at tackle for the Terps.
- Anwar O’Neal (OL) - From Middletown, Delaware, O’Neal’s size (6-5, 309) and proximity to Maryland make him a natural portal target for the Terps.
- Ja’Son Prevard (CB) - With great size for a corner (6-2, 199), Prevard has bounced around but has stayed close to the Mid-Atlantic. Maryland could offer him both stability and a step up in competition.
- Elliott Washington II (CB) - A former Penn State and Alabama recruit, Washington has NFL upside if he finds the right fit. Maryland could offer him the playing time he needs to showcase his talent.
- Bo Mascoe & Renick Dorilas (CBs) - Both transferring from Rutgers, these defensive backs could be looking to stay in the Big Ten. Dorilas, originally from New Jersey, seems especially likely to want to remain close to home.
Final Thoughts
With Malik Washington returning and a strong early signing class locked in, Maryland has momentum - and Mike Locksley is making the most of it. The Terps aren’t just collecting talent; they’re building a roster with purpose. The next few weeks in the transfer portal will be critical, but the foundation is in place.
If the flips, five-stars, and local ties are any indication, Maryland is positioning itself not just to compete in the Big Ten, but to make some noise doing it.