As Maryland heads into the upcoming season, the team finds itself at a crossroads. The Terrapins, under head coach Mike Locksley, are hoping to bounce back after a tough 2024 outing that saw them finish 4-8 overall and a mere 1-8 in Big Ten play.
This after achieving the notable feat of winning three consecutive bowl games for the first time in school history. The disappointment of last season left fans with empty seats at SECU Stadium, but there's a glimmer of optimism heading into this fall.
The piece of good news? Maryland's 2025 schedule might just be their ticket to a comeback.
According to CBS Sports' Brad Crawford, Maryland has been ranked at the top of the Big Ten when it comes to favorable schedules. That's a nice change of pace and could be exactly what the Terrapins need to turn things around.
Crawford points out that FanDuel Sportsbook has set Maryland's preseason win total at 4.5 games. Fortunately for Coach Locksley and his squad, getting back to bowl eligibility might not require an earth-shattering performance.
The Terrapins only face two teams ranked in Crawford's post-spring top 25—Illinois and Michigan. Perhaps the biggest relief for Maryland fans is that they won't be squaring off against perennial powerhouses Ohio State, Penn State, or Oregon this season.
For the first time since Maryland joined the Big Ten, they'll avoid playing all of the East Division juggernauts in a single season.
This adjusted schedule offers Maryland a rare respite, one that Coach Locksley will likely appreciate given the Terrapins' historic struggles against teams like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State. With fewer Goliaths on the schedule, there's a renewed sense of opportunity to pick up wins against more evenly matched teams.
Rounding out Crawford’s list, Oregon, Nebraska, and Michigan State follow Maryland in terms of schedule ease, giving their respective fan bases hope for a smoother ride this season. On the flip side, Wisconsin isn't so lucky. With the hardest schedule in the conference, the Badgers are scheduled to tackle road games against heavyweights like Alabama, Michigan, and Oregon, not to mention a trip to Indiana.
For Maryland, this isn’t just a season of survival; it’s a chance to seize a setup that could lead to a memorable campaign. As they prepare to tackle these new challenges, the team will be looking to harness their young talent and make the most out of their promising schedule.
