Maryland football is making waves in the Big Ten preseason chatter, with Athlon Sports naming six Terps to its All-Big Ten teams for 2026. For a team that's been through back-to-back 4-8 seasons, this recognition is like a lighthouse in a storm, signaling that the talent they've been cultivating is finally getting the nod it deserves beyond College Park.
Let's break down the Maryland players who made the cut and see how they stack up against the rest of the conference.
Daniel Wingate, LB - First Team
Daniel Wingate is the heart and soul of this Terps lineup. Last season, he racked up 102 total tackles, becoming the first Maryland player to hit triple digits since Tre Watson back in 2018.
Those numbers put him sixth in the Big Ten and 35th nationally. Wingate's 62 solo tackles were second-best in the conference and tied for seventh nationwide.
Add to that 14 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, a pick-six, and two pass breakups, and you have a player who is the defensive powerhouse Maryland needs. Wingate's decision to return for his senior year, despite NFL interest, shows his commitment to leading the Terps' defense.
Bryce McFerson, P - First Team
Bryce McFerson has quietly become a special teams ace in the Big Ten. The former Notre Dame transfer averaged 44.2 yards per punt last season, the sixth-best in Maryland's history and second in the conference.
With 14 punts over 50 yards and pinning opponents inside the 20-yard line 19 times, McFerson's impact is undeniable. Already a second-team All-Big Ten honoree last year, he's consistently been on the Ray Guy Award watch list for the nation's top punter.
Zahir Mathis, DL - Third Team
Zahir Mathis had a freshman season to remember on Maryland's defensive line. The Pennsylvania recruit, ranked third in his state and 123rd nationally, notched six sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss, despite missing nearly two games due to injury.
His 31 total pressures were second among all Power Four true freshmen. Mathis' ability to make an immediate impact has earned him a spot as a true freshman All-American and is a key part of Maryland's defensive aspirations.
Sidney Stewart, DL - Third Team
Sidney Stewart wasted no time making his mark as a true freshman. Leading the team with seven sacks, he tied for sixth in the Big Ten and set a Maryland freshman record with 10.5 tackles for loss.
Stewart's performance ranked him second among all FBS freshmen in total sacks. Despite being an overlooked recruit, he chose Maryland over schools like Boston College and Indiana, and he's already proving to be a true freshman All-American.
As he develops, Stewart aims to become more than just a pass-rushing specialist.
Together, Mathis and Stewart combined for 13 sacks and 67 tackles in their freshman campaigns. With five-star recruit Zion Elee joining them, the potential for this defensive line is sky-high.
Dorian Fleming, TE - Fourth Team
Dorian Fleming, a transfer from Georgia State, became a reliable target in Maryland's passing game, racking up 351 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors and was on the John Mackey Award Watch List. With a new offensive coordinator, Fleming's role is expected to grow, but he'll need to work on consistency and reducing drops.
Sean O'Haire, K - Fourth Team
Sean O'Haire, a converted soccer player from Ireland, made an impressive transition to football, hitting 21 of 24 field goals last season, including a perfect 17-of-19 inside 40 yards. Named a Lou Groza Award Star of the Week after his perfect performance in the opener, O'Haire's kicking prowess is a key asset for the Terps. Alongside McFerson, they form one of the nation's top punter-kicker duos.
With six players on Athlon's list, Maryland ties with teams like Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois. Oregon leads the pack with 19 selections, followed by Ohio State and Indiana.
While these preseason accolades don't guarantee success, they highlight the individual talent Maryland boasts, especially on defense, which returns 74% of its production from last season. This recognition is a testament to the potential brewing within the Terps' roster as they aim to turn the tide this season.
In Other News...
Maryland Has A Huge Backcourt Opportunity It Cannot Waste
Marylands next backcourt target is taking shape in a big way, and the timing works in the Terps favor. Oneal Delancy, a four-star combo guard from Montverde Academy, is scheduled to make an official visit to College Park on June 29, giving Maryland a chance to sell itself to one of the top prospects in the 2027 class. Delancy has built his reputation on scoring, defensive versatility and athleticism, the kind of profile that can fit almost any modern backcourt.
For Maryland, the visit is more than a courtesy stop. The staff is prioritizing Delancy and wants to show him a clear role and development plan, which matters when a recruit this highly regarded has other major programs involved in the process. Houston and Florida State have already hosted official visits, and South Florida and Miami are still in the mix, so the Terps will need to make this one count if they want to stay front and center as his recruitment moves forward. [Read more 🡒]
Where Bishop Boswell Fits In Marylands Backcourt Is Getting Interesting
Bishop Boswells move to Maryland gives the Terrapins another experienced guard to sort through as they keep building out the backcourt for the 2026-27 season. The junior transfer from Tennessee arrives with a steady rsum, having averaged 6.2 points and 3.1 assists last season, and he should be right in the mix for minutes once he gets to campus.
For Maryland, the appeal is obvious: Boswell adds depth, skill and another option in a guard room that already has multiple players competing for roles. The early-season schedule adds a layer of intrigue, too, because Boswell is set to see his former team in a marquee November tournament matchup, giving the Terps an immediate test against a familiar opponent. [Read more 🡒]
Another Maryland Big Man Just Landed A Real NBA Opportunity
Solomon Washingtons next stop is a real NBA opportunity after the Maryland forward landed with New Orleans as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NBA Draft. Washington had already worked out for the Pelicans, and the chance gives him a clear path into their summer program as he continues trying to turn his energy and versatility into a pro role.
His first game for New Orleans in Summer League comes July 9 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and that setting will tell the team plenty about how he fits in. The Pelicans are looking at him for frontcourt depth, and there is at least the possibility of him sharing the floor with fellow Maryland alum Derik Queen, giving Terrapins fans another reason to keep an eye on New Orleans this month. [Read more 🡒]