ESPN, On3 evaluate where Maryland football sits post-spring ball

With Maryland’s 2024 roster nearly finalized, head coach Mike Locksley finds his new-look team entering the summer sandwiched in the middle of the new-look Big Ten. On3 ranked Maryland 13th in their post-spring Big Ten power rankings and pointed to the two biggest questions surrounding the Terps heading into the season – quarterback and offensive line. NC State transfer quarterback MJ Morris enters the summer as the presumed starter for the Terps, who will have someone other than Taulia Tagovailoa at quarterback full-time for the first time in five seasons. Morris will be playing behind a completely rebuilt offensive line, including a trio of transfers who participated in spring practice. If Mike Locksley is able to coax a third-straight 8-5 (or better) season out of this squad, he’ll likely earn himself a nice contract extension. ESPN also unveiled its preseason SP+ rankings with Maryland checking in at tenth in the Big Ten and 44th overall in ESPN’s SP+ rankings heading into 2024. With seven starters back on defense, Maryland ranks 17th in the SP+ rankings compared to the offense at 87th while special teams checked in at 59th overall. After debuting at 45th in last year’s preseason SP+ rankings, Maryland ranked 21st following the 2023 season. The program announced the signing of former Buffalo lineman Isaiah Wright on Tuesday as Maryland scoured the portal for linemen through the spring to finalize the offensive line. While On3 presumes former NC State QB MJ Morris to ultimately win the job, it was Billy Edwards Jr. who took first team reps through the spring as the duo battle into fall camp as head coach Mike Locksley evaluates the competition. While Maryland will have to replace a handful of key players like DJ Glaze, Taulia Tagovailoa and Beau Brade, the roster returns multiple experienced players for Locksley’s sixth season with Tai Felton, Kaden Prather, Roman Hemby and Dante Trader Jr. among the 11 returning starters. Related Links Maryland-Northwestern moved to Friday night on FOXFreshmen duo Derik Queen, Malachi Palmer arrive at MarylandOLB Sidney Stewart "falling in love" with Maryland ahead of OVsHamond twins ready for official visit to Maryland in June