Jordan Seaton, the top-ranked offensive tackle in the transfer portal and a former five-star recruit, is expected to visit Maryland this weekend as his high-profile recruitment continues to unfold. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound lineman has already made stops at Mississippi State, Miami, and LSU, and now his hometown program is getting a shot to make its pitch.
There’s just one wrinkle-Mother Nature. A winter storm is forecasted to bring five to ten inches of snow to the D.C. area this weekend, potentially complicating Seaton’s travel plans.
According to sources close to the situation, Maryland and Seaton’s camp are working on contingency plans to make sure the visit still happens. The timing couldn’t be more critical, with the university’s spring semester kicking off on Monday.
Seaton’s recruitment has been one of the most closely followed stories in the portal this offseason. Oregon had been expected to host him earlier this week, but that visit didn’t materialize.
Still, Ducks head coach Dan Lanning made the effort to meet with Seaton in Atlanta, signaling Oregon’s continued interest. LSU, meanwhile, has generated the most buzz lately, especially with Lane Kiffin-now leading the Tigers’ recruiting efforts-pushing hard to land the elite lineman.
But Maryland, while flying under the national radar, is very much in the mix. Behind the scenes, sources say head coach Mike Locksley and the university leadership are going all-in on trying to bring Seaton home. The Terps have made it clear they’re serious about competing for top-tier talent, and this is the kind of recruitment that could prove it.
Locksley has a longstanding relationship with Seaton, dating back to his high school days at St. John’s in D.C.
When Seaton was a senior, he made a surprise visit to Maryland just before National Signing Day, and for a moment it looked like the Terps might land him. But then Deion Sanders and Colorado made a late push, flying him to Florida and sealing the deal.
Seaton stayed at Colorado last season despite swirling transfer rumors, but now the door is open again-and Maryland is hoping the third time’s the charm.
Landing Seaton would be a major win for a Maryland program that’s looking to rebound after consecutive 4-8 seasons. The Terps need a spark, and Seaton could provide it-not just as a marquee name, but as a legitimate difference-maker on the field.
He allowed just two sacks in nine games last season, earning an 83.9 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus before an injury sidelined him for the final stretch. Even with the missed time, he was named second-team All-Big 12 and continues to be viewed as a likely first-round NFL Draft pick.
For Maryland, the stakes are high. Protecting quarterback Malik Washington is a top priority, and the offensive line has been a weak spot. Adding a player of Seaton’s caliber would be a game-changer-both in terms of performance and momentum for the program.
Of course, there’s also the financial side of the equation. Seaton’s market value is reportedly in the $3-4 million range, a number that might give pause to a program like Maryland that hasn’t typically played in that financial stratosphere. But sources indicate Locksley has been working behind the scenes to raise additional funds this offseason, preparing for a scenario just like this-when a top-tier player becomes available and the opportunity to make a splash presents itself.
There’s also a personal angle that could work in Maryland’s favor. Seaton is said to be intrigued by the idea of returning home for his final college season.
After stints in Florida and Colorado, the chance to play in front of family and friends-while reuniting with familiar faces-holds real appeal. One of those familiar faces is five-star freshman Zion Elee, a Baltimore native and longtime workout partner of Seaton’s.
That relationship could be another factor pulling him toward College Park.
Maryland’s pitch is clear: come home, anchor the line, and help turn the tide for a program that’s hungry for a breakthrough. Whether that’s enough to outbid the heavyweights remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure-Locksley and the Terps are swinging big.