Anonymous Big Ten coaches talk expectations for Maryland football in 2026

Ahmed Ghafir
23 hours ago
2 min read

The outside skepticism has been consistent surrounding Maryland football ahead of 2026, though outlets have repeatedly pointed to the impressive retention efforts as reason for optimism. While those early offseason decisions were expected to be the key part of the offseason as head coach Mike Locksley retained his talented and deep 2025 recruiting class, quarterback Malik Washington was highlighted after anonymous coaches across the Big Ten sounded off on what could be for the Terps this fall.

“They’re hanging a lot on the quarterback (Malik Washington) and hoping that he repeats what he did as a freshman," one coach said of Maryland. "I thought he was really impressive. I didn’t think coming out of high school that he would be ready to do that. I know they lost eight straight, but he was not really the reason that they were losing. (Washington) is elite. He’s a really good athlete, and we hit him a couple times, and it just didn’t bother him.”

Washington's season was littered with program records. His 303 rushing yards ranked eighth most by a quarterback in a single season, while his 164 against Rutgers on Nov. 8 marked the second most behind Perry Hills. His 73 yard run vs. Rutgers also marked the fourth-longest run by a Maryland quarterback since 2008.

His 273 completions already ranks 18th in program history along with a tie with Billy Edwards Jr. for the fifth-most in a single season, along with a program record for a freshman. His 61 completions in the season finale vs. Michigan State marked the fourth-most in a game, while his 2,963 passing yards was enough to crack the top 20 in the career record book along with ranked the sixth-most in a single season. Of course, his 459 yards against Michigan State was a catalyst to etch himself all over the record book, but his freshman season came off the heels of what was expected to be a breakout season.

It also came off the heels of Washington missing the bulk of fall camp, letting him ease his way through non-conference play. Now with a full offseason to get comfortable and build his rapport with new offensive coordinator Clint Trickett, who could turn to more tempo in 2026.

“I think it’ll be interesting how that whole thing stays together if they can be really productive on offense,” one coach said of Maryland.

Maryland will be tested early after facing UConn on the road in week two followed by a highly anticipated non-conference finale in week three vs. Virginia Tech in College Park. As the Terps look to lean on the strong foundation to eclipse the four win total that they matched in each of the last two seasons.

“I get the sense that they would like (head coach) Mike Locksley to work out," another coach said of Maryland. "They’re not trying to get rid of him, but it may just get to a point where they’ve gotta do what they’ve gotta do.”

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