Maryland’s secondary just locked in a major piece for 2026. Cornerback Dontay Joyner is officially returning for his final season of college football, giving the Terps a proven playmaker on the back end as they look to reload on defense.
Joyner made an immediate impact in his first year with Maryland after transferring from Arkansas State, leading the team with eight pass breakups and adding two interceptions. One of those picks turned into a highlight-reel moment - a 67-yard pick-six in the second half against Nebraska that helped seal a key win. Plays like that are exactly why his return is such a big deal for this defense.
With safety Jalen Huskey heading out and likely hearing his name called in the upcoming NFL Draft, Joyner steps into the role of veteran leader in the secondary. His return gives Maryland a chance to keep their recent streak of defensive backs being drafted alive - something that’s become a point of pride for the program.
Joyner came to College Park as one of eight transfers in January 2025, and he wasted no time proving he belonged. From day one, the expectation was that he’d be a starter, and he lived up to the billing.
His athleticism stood out immediately - not just on tape, but in how he carried himself in practice and in games. He quickly became one of the most dynamic defenders on the roster.
“They immediately reached out to me. Told me the things that I wanted and needed to hear as far as getting to the pro level, NFL and what I need to do to get there,” Joyner said after transferring in.
“From the start, it all sounded great and it really went from there.” He also credited key figures like Will Likely, Marcus Thomas, and defensive backs coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim for helping him feel at home and focused on his goals.
Before arriving at Maryland, Joyner made a name for himself at Arkansas State. Over 24 games, he racked up 69 tackles (45 solo), nine pass breakups, and two interceptions.
His 81 defensive grade from PFF in 2024 ranked third-highest in the Sun Belt - a testament to his consistency and production. And notably, both of his interceptions came against Power Four opponents, showing he could hold his own against top-tier competition.
Now, with one more year ahead in College Park, Joyner has a clear mission: anchor the Terps’ secondary, build his NFL résumé, and help Maryland take another step forward defensively. He’s already shown he can be a difference-maker. In 2026, he’ll get one more chance to prove it - and potentially hear his name called in the 2027 NFL Draft.