Mike Locksley and the Maryland Terrapins just took a big step forward in one of the most competitive recruiting battles in the country. Five-star edge rusher Anthony Sweeney - the top-ranked player in the state of Maryland and one of the premier defensive prospects in the 2027 class - has named his top 12 schools, and the Terps are firmly in the mix.
Joining Maryland on that elite list? A who’s who of college football powerhouses: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Ole Miss, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech. For Locksley and his staff, just being in that company speaks volumes about the work they’ve done to stay relevant in the chase for blue-chip talent.
Sweeney is more than just a local star - he’s a national force. The Good Counsel standout is ranked No. 18 overall and the No. 3 edge rusher in the 247Sports Composite, and he’s already built a reputation as a nightmare for offensive tackles.
With a rare combination of length, burst off the line, and polished technique, he’s been overwhelming opposing linemen since early in his high school career. His invitation to the Under Armour All-America Game - as a junior, no less - only solidified what scouts and coaches already knew: Sweeney is special.
Maryland’s inclusion in his top 12 is significant, especially considering the Terps' recent history with Good Counsel. While the program has pulled talent from the powerhouse high school before - most notably Stefon Diggs - the pipeline has cooled in recent years. Highly regarded prospects like Dylan Gooden and Neeo Avery passed through College Park without making a lasting impact, and Maryland has missed out on several others from the same program.
But this time might be different. Maryland’s recent success developing edge rushers could give them a real shot with Sweeney.
In the 2025 class, the Terps landed Zahir Mathis and Sidney Stewart - both of whom earned freshman All-American honors. That momentum carried into the 2026 cycle with the addition of Zion Elee, the top-ranked pass rusher in the country.
That kind of track record doesn’t go unnoticed by elite prospects looking for a place to thrive.
Sweeney’s recruitment is expected to heat up in March when the visit window reopens, and Maryland is likely to be one of the stops on his tour. Alabama and Tennessee are considered strong contenders, and South Carolina is also making a push, but the Terps have positioned themselves well.
Locksley has made it clear that keeping top local talent home is a priority. Landing Sweeney would be a massive win - not just for the 2027 class, but for the continued evolution of Maryland football as a program that can compete with the best for elite talent.