Maryland QB Malik Washington named Big Ten Freshman of the Week

Ahmed Ghafir
Sep 1, 2025
2 min read

Maryland football true freshman quarterback Malik Washington turned heads nationally following his debut, but he officially added his first collegiate accolade after being named the Big Ten Freshman of Week One.

Washington was officially named the starting quarterback hours before kickoff, ending long-time speculation that it was a matter of when, not if, the former blue-chip quarterback out of Archbishop Spalding would take over the position. After beating out Khristian and Justyn Martin through spring ball into fall camp, Washington escaped the early nerves after leading Maryland to a 26-point second quarter, ending his day throwing for 258 yards and three touchdowns on 27-of-43.

Washington became the first true freshman to start in a Maryland season opener in 13 seasons, while his 27 completions mark the most by a Maryland true freshman quarterback ever and most by a Power Four quarterback in his debut since Jaxson Dart totaled 30 vs. USC back in 2021. Washington’s 258 passing yards also eclipsed Maryland’s team passing total in four games during the 2024 season after the former four-star completed 75% of his final 20 throws.

“We were talking pregame for a bit. It was good. He looked good up there, man. It was kind of crazy, I’m not gonna lie. It was wild,” 2028 Archbishop Spalding WR Keith Miller told IBG about his former teammate.

“It was a comfort level he had, the maturity level he showed. And that's not to say that those other two guys didn't play and compete because we feel like, as I've said before and this is not coach speak, that we can win with all three of those guys. But we felt Malik gave us the best chance,” head coach Mike Locksley said after Saturday’s win. “And it's a calmness about him, the demeanor that you see as a few - he's a little older than his years, maybe the way he's handled this thing. And the best part about it, he's only going to get better.”

Maryland will return to action this Friday, Sept. 5 for a 7:30 PM kickoff vs. Northern Illinois.

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