Maryland has picked up its sixth commitment in the 2025 class as DeMatha (MD) three-star running back and top target Bud Coombs has gone public with his pledge.
Coombs, a 5-foot-9, 170-pound athlete, committed to Maryland over Michigan and Texas A&M and he’ll head to College Park as a two-sport athlete where he will get a chance to continue both his football and baseball career.
IBG reported Maryland was trending for Coombs in late March as Maryland prioritized the local back through the cycle. The opportunity to play both sports in college has been a focus in Coombs’ recruitment, who shined at running back for the Stags last fall before transitioning to DeMatha’s starting center fielder in the spring. Tight ends coach Kevin Sumlin once spearheaded the recruitment of Coombs with the Terps all over his recruitment dating back to last summer, while co-defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim teamed up down the stretch to cement the Terps’ standing.
“I just loved being home. The way they recruited me, they showed me so much love. I felt like they needed me there. I just went where I get love the most,” Coombs told IBG about why Maryland won out.
Coombs is one of two top targets out of DeMatha this cycle as the Terps battle Virginia Tech for top target linebacker Noah Chambers, but Coombs has become plenty familiar with the Terps over the last 18 months. The in-state speedster returned to College Park last fall for the Penn State game as Maryland is tasked with replenishing its backfield this cycle.
“I love how they use the running backs. They’re used in the passing game, but they still run well with them. They’ve talked to me and said I can do the same thing,” Coombs told IBG last fall.
Coombs was named a first-team All-WCAC selection after eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards as a junior including a career-high 227 yards and three touchdowns as DeMatha defeated St. John’s (DC) in the WCAC semifinal, 21-3. He was also named to the preseason All-State first team for baseball as the centerfielder, checking in as the 84th-best prospect in Perfect Game’s rankings across the 2025 class.
Now he’ll head to College Park with a chance to take over the new-look room next season with both Colby McDonald exhausting his eligibility and Roman Hemby staring at another stay-or-go decision. Maryland is currently expected to return both Nolan Ray and DeJuan Williams in 2025.
Coombs joins linebacker Carlton “CJ” Smith, cornerback Jett White, safety Julien Horton, IOL Kahlil Stewart and DT Braheem Battles in Maryland’s 2025 class as head coach Mike Locksley and his staff look to capitalize on the elite local talent this cycle. Coombs also becomes the second DeMatha prospect to commit to Maryland in as many cycles after offensive tackle Terez Davis inked with the Terps in the 2024 class.
Bud Coombs is rated a three-star prospect and an 87 overall by On3, sitting as the 21st-best prospect in Maryland.
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