IBG Staff Predictions: Maryland - VT, One Thing Learned, Biggest Concern, Player to Watch

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Maryland football will close its non-conference slate with a home game against Virginia Tech this weekend. With the first Power Four opponent on the 2026 schedule, we dive into our staff picks for this weekend's contest.

One Thing You've Learned Through Two Games

Ahmed Ghafir: Front Seven Depth

You could tell through the course of the first two games that Maryland’s front seven has the pieces that were missing a season ago. That starts with the interior DL where Derrick LeBlanc, Lavon Johnson, Joel Starlings, Eyan Thomas have all made plays while Bryce Jenkins and Jayvon Parker have helped stockpile quality depth. The LBs are stout at the top with Daniel Wingate leading the way and Stephen Dean adding veteran depth behind him. It looked that way on paper this offseason, but the front seven has lived up to expectations thus far.

Trevor Gomes: Maryland’s two new transfer WRs look legit

After losing its top three receivers from last season, Maryland seems to have found two worthy successors. Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding and Chris Durr Jr. have combined for 30 receptions, 334 yards and three touchdowns through two games — and both flashed exciting after-the-catch ability, especially against UConn. Look for the duo to continue getting a healthy dose of targets and sparking explosive plays.

Chase King: The offense has seen some real change behind Clint Trickett

The ball has been getting out faster. Malik Washington averaged just 2.22 seconds to throw against UConn. They have been extremely safe with the ball but have been aggressive on 4th downs in plus territory. They have shown a willingness to run the ball on early downs and have been much more successful doing it compared to 2026.

Joseph Luber: improved WRs

Something I’ve learned these first two games is the wide receiver room has improved. We knew Maryland acquired Na’eem A-R Gladding and Chris Durr Jr. from the transfer portal but we were not sure how they would shape out. Through the first two games both guys have showcased their skill and that they are a big upgrade from what Maryland had last year.

Ricky Welch: DL is For Real

Through two games the Maryland defensive line has been nothing short of dominant only allowing 77 yards rushing between the two games and has accounted for 10 sacks. The depth of the unit has really shown through with the front rotating heavily and everyone getting in on the stat sheet.

Maryland will beat VT if___

Ahmed: Win Explosive Play Battle

VT’s rushing attack will offer some familiarity, while the passing attack offers weapons to keep in check between TE Luke Reynolds and WR Que’Sean Brown teaming up with QB Ethan Grunkemeyer through the first two games. Maryland’s secondary has largely been untested through two games, but spying Reynolds in the second level and limiting Brown are paramount to slowing VT’s offense. On the other side, Maryland’s passing attack has a chance to build momentum off an encouraging week two win vs. UConn against a Hokie secondary anchored by former NFL Draft prospect, DQ Smith. Similar could be said about the rushing attack, which showed flashes in DeJuan Williams’ week two absence, yet now has an opportunity to prove the run game is alive and well to add balance to coordinator Clint Trickett’s offense.

Trevor: Malik Washington repeats UConn performance

The sophomore quarterback was surgical against the Huskies. Washington completed 34 of his 41 attempts, including a program-record 18 straight completions, for 347 yards and two touchdowns. That performance was one of the best of his young career, but came a week after Washington looked shaky against Hampton. Coach Michael Locksley said Washington is at his best when he settles into the offense. If Washington can do that quickly, Maryland’s offense should be in for a productive night.

Chase: Successful Rushing Attack

Maryland ran the ball at the lowest rate last year, forcing Malik Washington to do all the heavy lifting on offense. If Maryland’s run game can help Washington–especially in the red zone–it will help the offense finish off drives and keep the defense off the field. Something they struggled with last year. It won’t come easy, as Virginia Tech’s defensive line held VMI to negative rushing yards and Old Dominion to 1.6 yards per carry outside of a 76-yard touchdown on a read-option.

Joseph: Successful Rushing Attack

The X-factor in this game is the run game on both sides of the ball. We’ve seen Virginia Tech excel and struggle in each of their games when it comes to running the football. Maryland’s run defense has been exceptional through the first two games and that is going to have to continue if they don’t want to let Virginia Tech control this game. On the offensive side of the ball, we heard offensive coordinator Clint Trickett talk about how much of an emphasis they were putting on running the ball. We’ve seen a successful run game from the Terps the first two weeks but with DeJuan Williams going down with an injury, it will be crucial that Iverson Howard and Harry Dalton III pick up the slack against a Virginia Tech d-line that has shined in their first two games.

Ricky: Win LOS

This game will be won in the trenches and seemingly Maryland will have the advantage in the matchup against Virginia Tech’s offensive line. Making the pocket a mess for quarterback Ethan Grunkmeyer is key. On offense, Maryland's offensive line will face its first challenge against an athletic and fast Virginia Tech defensive line. The passing attack will have to be more timely and precise with a potentially quick pass rush from the opposition.

Biggest concern about VT matchup

Ahmed: VT’s DL vs. Maryland’s IOL

The Hokies pose a real threat inside, and while Michael Hershey has drawn buzz through the offseason as an NFL caliber prospect in his second season as a starter, Saturday is a chance to prove it. Amory Hills drew the start over Tellek Lockette last week, while Ryan Howerton is in the midst of his first season as the starting RG, but preparing for Copeland and Mylachi Williams with veteran Elhadj Fall back for a second season. That said, Maryland’s OL has allowed only ten sacks since Malik Washington took over as the starting QB.

Trevor: Maryland’s Run Game vs. VT’s Front Seven

DeJuan Williams’ injury in Maryland’s season opener sapped much of the explosiveness from the Terps’ run game — and his status for Saturday remains uncertain. Harry Dalton III and Iverson Howard, who have split carries since the lead back was injured, averaged 3.3 yards per carry versus UConn, leaving the Terps’ rushing attack with questions. Considering how stifling Virginia Tech’s run defense has been, establishing the run could be tough for Maryland.

Chase: Can the secondary limit the big plays?

Maryland’s secondary allowed two big touchdowns against UConn and allowed a big play in the first drive against Hampton. They are now playing against their toughest opponents. They will have to deal with Que'Sean Brown, who was a big-play maker for Duke last season and a much improved offensive line. Can they limit the big-play factor for Virginia Tech?

Joseph: Explosive Plays Allowed

VT QB Ethan Grunkenmeyer has weapons on the perimeter that have the ability to create downfield separation. We saw Maryland give up a couple of big plays on deep passes versus UConn so that will need to be cleaned up before Saturday Night. Explosive plays always can sway momentum in tight games and Maryland will need to be cautious of that.

Ricky: VT Defensive Line vs. Maryland Offensive Line

The Hokies defensive front poses some real threats and the Maryland offensive line will have to be up to the task. Continuing from last season, the offensive line has been solid in protecting Malik Washington but the first real test happens Saturday. Can the offensive line get more push in the run game this week?

Player to watch:

Ahmed: WRs

Maybe a cop out answer, but the three starters share the responsibility here and I think this is a chance for the WR room to really make a statement after an encouraging week two performance. Gladding benefits from having some familiarity against the Hokies one season ago, but the WR room could find themselves in advantageous matchups against the VT secondary. It’s a chance for the portal WRs to prove themselves against P4 competition, while also proving the improved efficiency out of the skill players at Malik Washington’s disposal.

Trevor: edge Zion Elee

The Terps’ highest-rated recruit is arguably their player to watch for the whole season. Elee darted past UConn’s left tackle then got home for a strip sack, the highlight of his two collegiate games. Locksley also praised Elee’s ability against the run, especially for a true freshman. Elee will be crucial in both facets. Watch for the budding star to show out in his first big-time game.

Chase: edge Sidney Stewart

Stewart was great at turning his pressures into sacks in his freshman season. In his first two games of the 2026 season, his pressures have been there, but he only got home once for a strip sack against UConn. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got the first multi-sack game of his career under the bright lights in the Shell.

Joseph: QB Malik Washington

It might sound like a cliche answer but I have to go with Malik Washington. The noise was loud surrounding Malik after their victory over Hampton. It just didn’t seem like the receivers and him were on the same page to start the game. In week two at UConn Malik silenced the noise when he threw for 347 yards and 2 touchdowns while completing 82% of his passes. After Virginia Tech DB Jaquez White called Malik out this week saying “I don’t think he’s that accurate” and “He’s not a runner” I expect Malik to prove those statements on. What will be key to look out for is how Clint Trickett uses Malik in the run game because despite what Jaquez White thinks, Malik can do some damage with his legs.

Ricky: QB Malik Washington

The new face of the program will start in the biggest game thus far in College Park. You do not get too many games with the homegrown quarterback talent of Malik, make the big games count especially with a sellout crowd.

Score prediction

Ahmed: MD 31, VT 24

Trevor: MD 24 VT 21

Chase: MD 27, VT 20

Joseph: MD 24, VT 20

Ricky: MD 27, VT 24

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