Maryland’s hopes of making noise in the Big Ten may start with the kind of player who can wreck a game off the edge.
The Terrapins are heading into another season with expectations kept low, and Mike Locksley is under pressure to avoid another disappointing finish. Malik Washington is the headliner on offense, but Maryland’s defense may have a freshman who can change the conversation: Zion Elee.
Brad Crawford recently pointed to Elee as a potential breakout name for the Terrapins this season. As Crawford wrote, "The Baltimore Metro's Player of the Year as a senior at St.
Frances Academy, Elee was the No. 10 player nationally this cycle and ranks as one of the highest-rated signees in school history for Maryland. He committed back in December 2024 and believes in what Mike Locksley and staff are selling, despite the program falling on hard times in consecutive seasons.
Elee hopes to be part of the turnaround in 2026 as a headliner within the Terrapins ' pass rush. Defensive coordinator Ted Monachino will rely on several young players to be impactful, with none more important than Elee off the edge."
That makes Maryland a late-season matchup worth watching for USC.
The Trojans won’t see the Terrapins until the end of the year, but Week 13 could still turn into a real test. Elijah Paige should have plenty of chances to show what kind of tackle he is throughout the season, and this game will be another one of those opportunities. If Paige can’t keep Elee under control, USC could find itself in a tighter game than expected.
Elee is still a freshman, but the talent is obvious, and the upside is enough to make him a real factor for Maryland’s defense.
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