Maryland Football Honors Standouts at Annual Awards Banquet
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland Terrapins closed the book on their 2025 football season with a night of recognition, reflection, and celebration. The team gathered Sunday evening at The Hotel in College Park for their annual awards banquet, joined by coaches, staff, families, and supporters. It was a chance to honor the players who left their mark on the program this year - whether through leadership, grit, or breakout performances.
Longtime voice of the Terps, Johnny Holliday, emceed the evening, bringing his signature energy to a night filled with emotion and appreciation. Athletic Director Jim Smith opened the ceremony with remarks, setting the tone before the coaching staff handed out the team’s year-end awards.
The night culminated with the announcement of the 2025 team’s permanent captains - a role voted on by the players themselves. Defensive back Jalen Huskey, linebacker Daniel Wingate, and offensive lineman Isaiah Wright were selected to wear the “C” for the Terrapins, a nod to their leadership both on and off the field.
Wingate Earns Top Honors
It was a big night for Daniel Wingate. The linebacker not only earned the respect of his teammates as a captain but also took home the Ray Krouse Memorial Award, given to the team’s Most Valuable Player. Wingate was the steady presence at the heart of Maryland’s defense all season, and his recognition as MVP speaks volumes about the impact he had on both sides of the ball and in the locker room.
Young Stars Shine Bright
Maryland’s future looks promising, and that was evident in the recognition of several freshmen who made immediate impacts. Quarterback Malik Washington was named Offensive Player of the Year - a rare honor for a freshman, but one that felt well-earned. Washington showed poise beyond his years, commanding the huddle and delivering when it mattered most.
On the other side of the ball, Jalen Huskey - who also earned a captaincy - was named Defensive Player of the Year. Huskey’s playmaking ability in the secondary helped anchor Maryland’s defense, and his leadership was clearly felt throughout the season.
Recognizing the Foundation
While the stars of the season received their due, the banquet also made room for the unsung heroes - the players whose contributions might not always show up on the stat sheet but are vital to the team’s success.
The Alvin L. Aubinoe Unsung Hero Award went to Lavain Scruggs and Octavian Smith Jr., two players whose consistency and quiet leadership helped set the tone behind the scenes. The Public Service Award honored Ethan Gough and Daniel Owens for their work in the community, highlighting the program’s emphasis on character beyond the field.
The Jordan McNair Memorial Award - named in memory of the late Maryland offensive lineman - was awarded to Isaiah Wright and Cam Rice, recognizing their embodiment of perseverance, strength, and team spirit.
Academic Excellence and Scout Team Standouts
Maryland also celebrated excellence in the classroom. Bryce McFerson earned the George Boutselis Memorial Award for the letterman with the highest GPA, while Alan Herron - who also took home the James M. Tatum Memorial Award as the team’s top offensive lineman - was recognized as the senior with the highest GPA.
The scout team awards highlighted the players who pushed the starters every day in practice. Elias Johnson (offense), Nijel Cross (defense), and Kellen McConnell (special teams) were honored for their dedication and effort behind the scenes.
Cross also earned the Dr. John E.
Faber Iron Man Award, a testament to his toughness and relentless work ethic.
Full List of Award Winners
- Scout Team Special Teams Player of the Year: Kellen McConnell
- Freshman Special Teams Player of the Year: Messiah Delhomme
- Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year: Nijel Cross
- Freshman Defensive Player of the Year: Zahir Mathis
- Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year: Elias Johnson
- Freshman Offensive Player of the Year: DeJuan Williams
- **Dr. John E.
Faber Iron Man Award:** Nijel Cross
- George Boutselis Memorial Award (highest GPA among lettermen): Bryce McFerson
- George C. Cook Memorial Award (highest GPA among seniors): Alan Herron
- Alvin L. Aubinoe Unsung Hero Award: Lavain Scruggs, Octavian Smith Jr.
- Public Service Award: Ethan Gough, Daniel Owens
- **A.V.
Williams Award (sportsmanship):** Michale Hershey, Carlton Smith
- **James M.
Tatum Memorial Award (Lineman of the Year):** Sidney Stewart (defense), Alan Herron (offense)
- Jordan McNair Memorial Award: Isaiah Wright, Cam Rice
- Special Teams Player of the Year: Ricardo Cooper, Darius Grimes
- Defensive Player of the Year: Jalen Huskey
- Offensive Player of the Year: Malik Washington
- Ray Krouse Memorial Award (Most Valuable Player): Daniel Wingate
- 2025 Permanent Team Captains: Jalen Huskey, Daniel Wingate, Isaiah Wright
Looking Ahead
The banquet wasn’t just a celebration of the season that was - it was a look toward the future. With rising stars already making noise and veteran leaders setting the tone, Maryland has the pieces to keep building. And if the energy in that banquet room was any indication, this team isn’t done writing its story.