As Maryland football steps into the offseason, the transfer portal has once again become the main event. And for head coach Mike Locksley, this isn’t just another winter of roster reshuffling - it’s a pivotal moment. After back-to-back 1-8 finishes in Big Ten play, the Terps are staring down a critical stretch that could define the program’s trajectory - and Locksley’s future in College Park.
This offseason isn't just about finding talent. It's about retention, development, and strategic upgrades across the board.
Locksley knows it. He said as much after Maryland’s season wrapped up with a loss to Michigan State.
"It's my job to quality-control this season and make any and every necessary change for us to get this program back to where we all needed to be," he said. And he’s not sugarcoating the situation. "We've got a lot of things to get corrected, a lot of things to get evaluated."
That evaluation starts now - and it’s already underway. Recruiting remains a priority, and Maryland has to keep its foot on the gas to maintain momentum on that front.
But equally important is roster retention. With the transfer portal now a permanent fixture of the college football landscape, keeping your top talent from walking out the door is just as important as bringing new names in.
Locksley expressed confidence that Maryland can hold onto its core, and that’s going to be key. The Terps have some foundational pieces they can build around - but only if they stay in the building.
So what does that mean in practice? It means Maryland is actively working both sides of the portal - tracking who’s leaving, who’s coming in, and who’s visiting campus with an eye toward becoming a Terp.
It’s a full-court press, and it has to be. Because in today’s game, roster turnover isn’t just a possibility - it’s a guarantee.
The Terps are in the thick of it now, and the moves made over the next few weeks will shape how competitive this team can be in 2025. Whether it’s shoring up the trenches, adding skill position depth, or locking down key returners, every decision matters.
And the margin for error? It’s slim.
This offseason is about more than just plugging holes - it’s about resetting the foundation. Maryland has work to do, and Locksley knows the clock is ticking. The next few months will tell us a lot about where this program is headed - and who’s going to be leading the charge when the Terps take the field next fall.