Maryland opens its 2026 season on Saturday against Hampton, and the Terps are trying to keep a couple of streaks alive while doing it. They’ve won 18 straight games against non-conference opponents, and they’re chasing a 19th. They’re also aiming for a 15th straight season-opening win against a non-conference team.
The expectation here is that Mike Locksley’s group comes out ready to set the tone early. The Terps should get the ball first, and offensive coordinator Clint Trickett is projected to lean into a more dynamic rushing attack right away. That means a mix of zone runs, RPOs and jet sweeps, with the ground game setting up a play-action shot from Malik Washington to senior wide receiver Kaleb Webb.
That style would fit the offseason message from Locksley, who has talked about wanting this offense to get back to the kind of dynamic rushing identity Maryland showed early in his first couple of years in College Park.
The backs should be a big part of that plan. DeJuan Williams, Harry Dalton III and Iveson Howard are all positioned to put up numbers and make themselves felt throughout the game.
Defensively, Maryland may need a little time to settle in. Hampton’s running game comes in with momentum after piling up 273 rushing yards in its opener last Saturday, and Amari Pryear and Donovan Sheppard look like the main threats. Pryear can work the edges, while Sheppard handles the short-yardage and power stuff.
For Maryland, the emphasis is simple: communicate well at every level, play faster and smarter, and finish tackles.
Still, the biggest edge for the Terps may come through the air. Maryland’s passing game has drawn plenty of offseason questions, but this matchup could be the spot where it overwhelms an experienced Hampton secondary that isn’t used to Big Ten-style offense. Washington is projected to throw for more than 265 yards and account for three or more touchdowns, which could help Maryland push past 30 points.
On paper, this looks like a game Maryland should control. It’s also a chance to see some of the younger defenders make a mark, including five-star edge Zion Elee, second-year safety Messiah Delhoume, freshman Darrell Carey, and sophomores Jayden Shipps and Sidney Stewart.
Maryland’s size, depth, skill and length may simply be too much for Hampton, but the game also gives Hampton a chance to test itself against a Power 4 program while adjusting to a new system.
For the Terps, the job is straightforward: don’t take the opponent lightly, play clean football, put good tape out there, and carry those habits into next week.
In Other News...
Malik Washington Faces A Bigger Maryland Test Than Last Year
Maryland is heading into its 2026 season opener with Malik Washington back at quarterback and a roster that looks noticeably different around him. The Terps brought in 16 transfer players to help plug the holes left by departed receivers, and that reshuffling has made fall camp an important proving ground for a passing game that will need new answers early.
Washington has made clear he wants to be more vocal as he takes on a bigger leadership role, and the first signs of that responsibility are showing in how the new pieces are coming together. Maryland has seen encouraging development from the incoming receivers, along with a promising freshman wideout, but the real test will come once the lights come on and the offense has to show it can keep moving without the familiar targets it leaned on before. [Read more 🡒]
Maryland Still Waiting On Freshman WR As Serious Legal Case Lingers
Marylands wide receiver room has been operating without freshman Josiah Teasley for the foreseeable future, with the early-year absence tied to legal issues that have kept him out of games. Teasley was found guilty of second degree assault and is set to begin supervised probation in 2026, but his case is still moving through the process as he appeals the conviction.
The situation remains unsettled because Teasley also faces additional charges related to an alleged violation of a protective order, adding another layer of uncertainty around his status. His attorney, Douglas Gansler, is disputing the allegations and says video evidence supports that challenge, leaving Maryland waiting for a resolution before there is any clarity on what comes next. [Read more 🡒]