After a tough 4-8 season and an offseason clouded by uncertainty, Maryland football finally got the kind of news that can shift momentum in a big way. Star freshman edge rusher Sidney Stewart is staying in College Park for the 2026 season - and that’s a massive win for Mike Locksley and the Terps.
For a program navigating the choppy waters of back-to-back losing seasons and the ever-present threat of the transfer portal, Stewart’s decision to return is more than just roster news - it’s a statement. The Terps are keeping one of the most productive young defenders in the country, and that’s no small feat in today’s college football landscape.
Stewart made it official in a way that turned heads - channeling The Wolf of Wall Street with a social media post that left no doubt: he’s not leaving. And for Maryland fans, that’s worth celebrating.
A Freshman Campaign That Turned Heads
At 6-foot-2 and 255 pounds, Stewart didn’t just flash potential - he delivered it every Saturday. In 12 games, he racked up 32 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and a team-high seven sacks, finishing tied for seventh in the Big Ten in sacks.
He added seven quarterback hits, two pass breakups, a forced fumble, and even a safety. Those numbers weren’t just good for a freshman - they were elite, and they set a new Maryland freshman record for tackles for loss.
And here’s the kicker: Stewart hadn’t played a game in two years before this season due to what was described as a "catastrophic situation." That context makes his breakout all the more impressive. Despite the layoff, he quickly became Maryland’s most consistent and disruptive presence off the edge - and one of the most productive freshmen in the entire FBS.
Talent Retention in the NIL Era
In today’s college football world, elite young edge rushers like Stewart don’t just get attention - they get offers. Seven-figure NIL deals are very real for players of his caliber, and after Maryland’s disappointing season, there was real concern that Stewart might test the portal waters.
Behind the scenes, there were conversations. Stewart’s father, Stephen, confirmed as much in an interview earlier this month, saying the family was in talks with the university and that returning was the goal - as long as the pieces aligned.
“We're excited about what the future holds for Sidney at the University of Maryland,” he said. “Hopefully, we can work it out to where we're back.”
Those talks happened as Maryland was reeling from an eight-game losing streak and facing tough questions about the program’s direction. Athletic director Jim Smith has since emphasized a renewed commitment to NIL investment and roster retention - and Stewart’s return is a clear sign that those efforts are paying off.
Building a Pass-Rushing Powerhouse
With Stewart back, Maryland now boasts what might be the most exciting young pass-rushing trio in college football. He’ll line up alongside fellow freshman All-American Zahir Mathis and incoming five-star Zion Elee, the top-ranked edge rusher in the 2026 class. That’s a foundation any defensive coordinator would dream of.
Stewart’s early-season production was electric - he notched at least half a sack in six of Maryland’s first seven games. While injuries slowed him down late in the year, the flashes were undeniable. He looks every bit the part of a future star, and pairing him with Mathis and Elee gives Maryland a chance to flip the script on defense in a hurry.
“He's excited about forming a great tandem,” Stephen Stewart said of his son.
And Sidney himself echoed that sentiment during the season: “I'm really excited for how much better we're going to get because we're still young. We're going to keep churning, keep doing what we've been doing.”
The Bigger Picture
Let’s be clear: Maryland still has work to do. Back-to-back 4-8 seasons don’t turn around overnight. But keeping a talent like Sidney Stewart - and pairing him with other elite young defenders - gives the Terps a real shot at building something sustainable on that side of the ball.
Combine that with the hope that quarterback Malik Washington can take the next step, and there’s a path forward. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s there - and it starts with players like Stewart choosing to stay and build.
For now, Maryland fans can breathe a little easier. One of the most important pieces of the puzzle is staying put. And with Stewart, Mathis, and Elee in the fold, the future of Maryland’s pass rush looks bright - and dangerous.