Maryland opens the season Saturday in College Park with the spotlight fixed on Malik Washington, the young quarterback the Terrapins are counting on to take a step forward after a rocky finish to last year.
Washington was thrown right into the mix as a true freshman and started every game in 2024. He put up 2,963 passing yards with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions, but the late-season slide told the bigger story. Maryland dropped its final eight games for a second straight 4-8 season, and Washington was intercepted in each of the last six contests.
That stretch is exactly what head coach Mike Locksley wants to move past, and he made it clear during the team’s media day that Washington should have more freedom now that he has a year of experience under his belt.
"A year ago because we knew we were throwing him in there inexperienced, we probably were a little more conservative," Locksley said. "But I can tell you that the way he was taught and the things that he learned a year ago will benefit him now that he's in a system that fits his skill set including his ability to use his feet to make plays."
Maryland will also have help around him. DeJuan Williams returns after leading the team in rushing last season with 501 yards, and the receiving group includes Kaleb Webb and transfer Na'eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding.
Hampton arrives at 1-0 after rolling past Virginia University-Lynchburg 45-0 in Van Malone’s first game as coach. The Pirates got a big lift from freshman Amari Pryear, who came off the bench and ran for 132 yards on just eight carries.
That shutout was Hampton’s first since 2017, but Malone knows the challenge changes quickly with Maryland on deck.
"For us, it's about playing mistake-free football because Maryland can make you pay," Malone said Monday. "As we roll into practicing for this game, what I want to tell our players is we don't have to be perfect, but we have to be better than we were last 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 🡒]