Maryland football LB Daniel Wingate becomes latest tabbed to preseason watch list

Ahmed Ghafir
22 hours ago
2 min read

A deserving preseason award has officially materialized for the leader of Maryland's defense ahead of the 2026 season.

Senior linebacker Daniel Wingate has been named to the Butkus Award Watch List for the second consecutive season, a fitting honor for the Bowie, Md. native and Pallotti graduate.

Wingate is coming off a 2025 season that materialized into an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection after totaling 102 tackles, becoming the first Terp to eclipse 100 tackles in a season since Tre Watson did so in 2018. The local product became a key part of the inside linebacker rotation in 2024 alongside Ruben Hyppolite, currently entering year two with the Chicago Bears, before stepping into an impact role in 2025 and again ahead of 2026. Wingate kicked off the 2025 season with a pick six vs. FAU along with registering a pair of pass deflections, 1.5 sacks and 6.5 TFLs.

The veteran also quickly bypassed outside interest as Wingate was among the long list of key players who finalized their offseason decision to return to Maryland in 2026 where he's since materialized into a fourth team All-American selection by Phil Steele among several preseason honors. Wingate joined quarterback Malik Washington and center Michael Hershey at Big Ten Media Days last month where he's a key part in a front seven that has depth, but is now working through the loss of an impact piece with edge rusher Zahir Mathis sidelined for the 2026 season.

“Daniel Wingate is a warrior,” head coach Mike Locksley said after the season-opening win vs. Florida Atlantic. “We're very fortunate to have that guy around here. I hate comparisons, but I was around here for a guy who wore number 42 and played heavy handed and physical in EJ Henderson, one of our most decorated players. And I would say he is in that category because his leadership, he plays tough, he plays hard, he plays smart. He has a positive impact on our team in all three phases. He's running out covering kicks as a starter. We're really fortunate to have Daniel as a true junior. I think he's only going to get better, and like I said, I'm looking forward to him having a big year for us.”

2026 Awards

Wuerffel Trophy Award Watch List: QB Malik Washington

Lou Groza Award: K Sean O’Haire

Rimington Trophy Award: IOL Michael Hershey

John Mackey Award: TE Dorian Fleming

Bronko Nagurski Trophy: LB Daniel Wingate

Shrine Bowl 1000: DB Amari Jackson, DB Jamare Glasker, LB Daniel Wingate, OL Tellek Lockette, OL Isaiah Wright, OL Rahtrel Perry, P Bryce McFerson, DB Lavain Scruggs, TE Dorian Fleming

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