Maryland football returns another along the DL, special teams in 2026

Ahmed Ghafir
5 hours ago
2 min read

Maryland has picked up several transfer portal commitments at positions of need, but there might not be a position in better standing heading into February than the defensive line with the latest announcement in the fold.

Nose tackle Eyan Thomas is set to return to Maryland for a second season, giving the trenches another key piece with a chance for the defense to control the line of scrimmage in 2026. Thomas becomes the latest key returnee in the the trenches alongside Bryce Jenkins, while head coach Mike Locksley and his staff have already inked a pair of portal prospects - including one reunion - with UCF DT Derrick LeBlanc and Texas NT Lavon Johnson.

Add in the addition of former blue-chip signee Zion Elee, who officially enrolled on Monday, along with the return of edge rushers Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis, there's a lot to be confident in when it comes to the front seven. Maryland also returns linebacker Daniel Wingate, who became the first Terp in seven seasons to eclipse 100 tackles in a season, along with Trey Reddick and CJ Smith to form what should be a strong defense in 2026.

Thomas, who transferred into the program last offseason from Saint Francis, played in all 12 games in 2025 where he posted 27 total tackles and 1.5 sacks while recovering a fumble in the non-conference finale vs. Towson. He also registered a pass defended against Indiana after arriving last January as an expected key piece in the trenches.

All eyes will shift toward the offensive line with fans looking for Maryland to dominate both sides of the trenches with the staff hosting a top target for a visit that started on Monday and runs through Tuesday.

Maryland also announced the return of Sean O'Haire for his second season as kicker, along with serving as the team's lone first team All-Big Ten selection in 2025. O’Haire finished his first season with the Terps leading the Big Ten and ranking tied for sixth nationally with 1.9 field goals per game. The Kildare, Ireland native converted on 50 of 53 total kicks (21–24 FGs, 29–29 PATs). His 21 made field goals tied the third-most in a single season in Maryland history. His 87.5 percent conversion rate on field goals is the second best single-season performance in Terrapin history.

Related Links