Several Maryland football starters enter among best draft-eligible players in 2026

Ahmed Ghafir
15 minutes ago
3 min read

Maryland football has consistently watched multiple impact players go on to become NFL draft picks during the Mike Locksley era with the program producing at least two selections in six of the last eight drafts, along with eight defensive backs drafted over the last eight drafts. Yet the program could see a wave of NFL talent take the field this upcoming season after starting center Michael Hershey was tabbed one of nine players ranked among the best draft-eligible players at their position ahead of the 2026 season in Phil Steele's annual preseason magazine.

Hershey led the unit after being named the eighth-best draft-eligible center in 2026, including third-best in the Big Ten. It's high praise for the Pa. native who has drawn buzz as the anchor of the unit in each of the last two offseasons, though he's coming off his first full season as a starter. After rotating in behind Josh Kaltenberger in six games as a true freshman in 2024, Hershey started in all 12 games in 2025 as part of a unit that allowed just nine sacks, tied for third-fewest nationally.

Hershey wasn't the only one to be recognized with punter Bryce McFerson ranked the 12th-best draft-eligible punter, while Daniel Wingate was named the 13th-best inside linebacker prospect. In addition to joining McFerson as a preseason First Team All-Big Ten selection, Wingate was also tabbed a Fourth Team All-American selection where his return anchors what should be a much stronger and deeper front seven. As for McFerson, he's remained among the Big Ten's best punters since transferring in from Notre Dame ahead of the 2024 season as he was named a second team All-Big Ten pick in 2025.

Rahtrel Perry, who transitioned from DII to Maryland's starting left tackle in 2024, was ranked as the 40th-best offensive tackle prospect while Dorian Fleming also graded as the 23rd-best draft-eligible tight end. Fleming was one of two Virginia natives on the list with Trey Reddick ranked the 31st-best outside linebacker prospect as the former three-star signing solidified himself as a playmaker in the front seven after ranking fifth on the team in tackles (53) and TFLs (5.5) while starting in ten games.

Meanwhile, the entire starting cornerback room all found themselves included in the position rankings with Boston College transfer Amari Jackson leading the way as the 31st-best prospect. Dontay Joyner wasn't far behind after ranking as the 37th-best prospect while Jamare Glasker ranked as the 52nd-best. While Maryland will likely turn to a pair of freshmen in Darrell Carey and Hakim Satterwhite to round out the depth, the trio are expected to start in 2026 with a very strong chance for the program to continue its NFL production at the position.

Phil Steele also tabbed four as preseason All-American selections with Wingate and McFerson representing the program on the First Team. Kicker Sean O'Haire was named a preseason Second Team selection where the Irish specialist has a chance to build on a strong season after finishing 21-for-24 in 2025, including 17-of-19 within 40 yards and a long of 49 yards. The last pick? Running back Iverson Howard, though he was tabbed as a fourth team selection as a punt returner as the Quince Orchard native looks to cement himself as the new starter in 2026 with new special teams coordinator Matt Barnes looking to generate explosives, an area that has been lacking through the Mike Locksley era.

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