As college football’s version of free agency inches closer-set to officially open on January 2-the early tremors are starting to shake loose some familiar names from rosters across the country. At Maryland, a program that had largely stayed quiet amid the initial portal buzz, two notable departures signal the start of what could be an active offseason in College Park.
Linebacker Neeo Avery and quarterback Khristian Martin are both heading to the transfer portal, becoming the most high-profile Terps to announce their exits so far. Prior to this, only deep reserves Shamar McIntosh and Jahmari Powell-Wonson had entered the portal-players who hadn’t factored significantly into Maryland’s plans. Avery and Martin, while not starters, carried more weight in terms of potential and pedigree.
Avery, in particular, was once viewed as a recruiting win that could shift the program’s trajectory. A four-star edge rusher out of Good Counsel (Md.), he was a major get for head coach Mike Locksley, who flipped him from Ole Miss on signing day.
Avery had previously committed to Penn State and considered programs like Kentucky and Oregon before ultimately landing at Maryland. Rated as the No. 39 edge rusher in his class, he brought a combination of size (6-foot-6, 249 pounds) and athleticism that had fans excited about his upside.
But the promise never quite translated to production. Injuries hampered his first two seasons, and while he was healthier this year, he still struggled to crack the regular rotation.
He finished the season with just three tackles-far from the breakout many hoped for when he signed. His departure opens up a spot at a position where Maryland will need to reload, especially given the physical demands of the Big Ten.
Then there’s Martin, whose decision to transfer comes as little surprise. The Highland Springs (Va.) product found himself buried on the depth chart behind Malik Washington, the freshman QB who has quickly become the face of the program. Washington recently announced he’ll return for his sophomore season, effectively closing the door on any immediate opportunity for Martin to see the field.
Still, Martin leaves with some intrigue. Though he saw limited action-just five games, 11-of-17 passing for 105 yards and a touchdown-he made noise in Maryland’s spring game earlier this year.
He led the White team to a win and took home MVP honors after completing 16-of-23 passes for 269 yards and four touchdowns. That performance showed flashes of what he could do with extended reps, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him find a better fit elsewhere.
For Maryland, the focus now shifts to what comes next. After back-to-back 4-8 seasons, there’s no sugarcoating it: the Terps need reinforcements, and they need them fast. Locksley and athletic director Jim Smith have both made it clear that Maryland is ready to be aggressive in the portal, with the financial backing to pursue experienced, impact players.
“Because of the resources that we have being allocated, that allows us now to maybe fill some of these voids this class with some experienced players,” Locksley said earlier this month. “We’ve done a really good job in the portal, if you look at the guys that have come in, played early, had success and been able to move on to the next level.”
That’s the blueprint moving forward: identify high-upside talent with immediate eligibility, plug holes quickly, and build a roster that can compete in a deeper, more physical Big Ten. Maryland has proven it can find value in the portal. Now, with a few more scholarships opening up, it’s time to see if they can do it again-and this time, turn that potential into wins.