Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1545675
A U G U S T 2 0 2 6 9 9 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M Maryland might be the most enigmatic program in college football. Every year, it seems, the Terrapins sign one or two elite recruits that any team in the country would be thrilled to have. Or they bring in a high-profile transfer from one of the nation's better programs. Or they watch as one of their homegrown prospects blossoms into an even better player than his recruiting profile hinted at. And yet every year, the Terps somehow find themselves fighting to attain bowl eligibility. It happened again last year. Freshman quarterback Malik Washington made a surprisingly smooth transition from Archbishop Spalding in Severn, Md., to the Big Ten, ranking fourth in the con- ference with an average of 246.9 passing yards per game. But even with the 6-foot- 5, 231-pound newcomer balling out ev- ery week, Maryland dropped its last eight games and finished 4-8 for the second season in a row. Washington returns in 2026 after set- ting Maryland freshman records for most completions (273) and yards (2,963). He'll be looking to improve on a 57.7 percent completion rate, and he'll have plenty of help. According to Bill Connelly's ana- lytics at ESPN.com, the Terps boast the second-most returning production of any team in the FBS at 71 percent. The offensive line has three starters back, including senior tackles Rahtrel Perry and Isaiah Wright. Maryland sur- rendered only 9 sacks last year, fifth-few- est in the country, so Washington should be well protected. The Terps also return sophomore run- ning back Dejuan Williams, who rushed for a team-best 501 yards and 3 touch- downs in his debut season, and Wash- ington gives them another threat on the ground. Maryland's first-year quarterback ranked second on the team with 303 yards and 4 rushing TDs. The one area on offense that suffered heavy losses was the receiver corps, with Maryland's top three pass catchers exit- ing. To fill the void, coach Mike Locks- ley brought in a pair of junior transfers in Na'eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding of Old Dominion and Chris Durr Jr. of Wyoming. They can also lean on junior tight end Dorian Fleming, who caught 40 passes for 351 yards and 3 touchdowns last year. The defense brings back nearly ev- eryone of note. Sophomore ends Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis combined for 13 sacks and 19 tackles for loss last year, and they'll be joined by five-star freshman edge rusher Zion Elee. Maryland also welcomes back last year's top tackler in senior linebacker Daniel Wingate, who finished with 102 stops. Another key playmaker returns in the sec- ondary, with cornerback Jamare Glasker back for his senior year after tying for the team lead with 4 interceptions last fall. Even the specialist corps is loaded. Sophomore kicker Sean O'Haire hit 21 of 24 field goal attempts in his debut sea- son, while senior punter Bryce McFerson ranked second in the Big Ten with a 44.2- yard average. In addition to an experienced roster, Maryland has an advantageous schedule that spares it from having to face Indiana, Oregon, Michigan, Washington and Iowa. Playing Penn State late in the regular season always seems to raise the stakes, because Maryland is frequently fighting for bowl eligibility in November. It's pos- sible the bad blood that has characterized this rivalry over the past decade will dis- sipate now that Locksley's frenemy James Franklin has given way to Matt Campbell, but it's worth noting that this has turned out be an interesting year for the Terps to revive their dormant rivalry with Virginia Tech. — Matt Herb N O V . 2 8 | T I M E T B D | T V T B D | S E C U S T A D I U M | C O L L E G E P A R K , M D . GAME 12 MARYLAND Quarterback Malik Washington set a Maryland freshman record with his 2,963 passing yards last year. PHOTO COURTESY MARYLAND ATHLETICS 2026 SCHEDULE Date Opponent 2025 Result Sept. 5 Hampton — Sept. 12 at Connecticut — Sept. 19 Virginia Tech — Sept. 26 UCLA L, 20-17 Oct. 3 at Nebraska L, 34-31 Oct. 10 at Ohio State — Oct. 17 Rutgers L, 35-20 Oct. 31 Illinois L, 24-6 Nov. 7 at Purdue — Nov. 14 Wisconsin — Nov. 21 at USC — Nov. 28 Penn State — RISING STAR DEJUAN WILLIAMS | RB The 5-11, 215-pound Williams proved as a freshman that he's more than just a formidable rushing threat; he also led all Big Ten running backs with 45 catches for 426 yards. With the Terps rebuilding their receivers room, Williams will likely be a frequent target again this fall. QUICK FACTS All-Time Series: Penn State leads, 44-3-1 Head Coach: Mike Locksley (37-49 in seven full seasons at Maryland; career coaching record: 39-75) 2025 Record: 4-8, 1-8 Big Ten Returning Starters: 14 (6 offense, 8 de- fense) RETURNING LEADERS Rushing: RB Dejuan Williams (501 yards, 3 TD) Passing: QB Malik Washington (2,963 yards, 17 TD) Receiving: RB Dejuan Williams (426 yards, 1 TD) Tackles: LB Daniel Wingate (102) Sacks: DE Sidney Stewart (7) Interceptions: CB Jamare Glasker (4)