The atmosphere surrounding Maryland football is as good as it has been in some time. The Terps have the chance to start the season 5-0 for just the second time since 2001 on Saturday.
SECU Stadium should be packed, and for good reason. Not only have the Terps performed well to begin the season, but the team’s youth movement has brought optimism to the future to the program. That young core has the chance to prove itself once again against Washington.
Saturday’s game will begin at 3:30 p.m. and air
on Big Ten Network.
Washington Huskies (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten)
2024 record: 6-7, 4-5 Big Ten
Head coach Jedd Fisch has plenty of experience coaching at both the collegiate and NFL level, and coaching well. Currently in his second season at Washington, Fisch had previously spent three years at the helm of Arizona, leading the Wildcats to a 10-3 season in 2023 and finishing No. 11 in the AP Top 25 poll.
What’s perhaps more eye-opening is Fisch’s NFL experience, spending time as quarterback coach in New England under Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator with the Jaguars, Dolphins and Vikings. His pro style-offense, in tandem with some blue chip skill players, could be a formidable test for Maryland’s young defense.
The Huskies dominated their first three contests of the season, winning by an average of 37.6 points against the likes of Colorado State, UC Davis and Washington State. But the true challenge took the form of the No. 1 team in the country: Ohio State. While quarterback Demond Williams Jr. had a clean game, going 18-of-22 for 173 yards, the Buckeyes held Washington without a touchdown. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith corralled eight catches for 81 yards and a score.
Players to watch
Demond Williams Jr., sophomore quarterback, No. 2 — Williams is a pure athlete. Standing at just 5-foot-11, he makes up for his lack of size with tantalizing mobility. Against Washington State, he had 88 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. But he’s also passed for over 200 yards in three out of four games this season. Last season, he completed 43 of his 52 pass attempts for 575 yards and five touchdowns with just one interception in his two starts.
Jonah Coleman, senior running back, No. 1 — Coleman came over to the Huskies alongside Fisch in 2024 after being named an All-Pac 12 honorable mention in 2023. He’s since played himself into serious 2026 NFL Draft conversations, rushing for 1,053 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024. He’s continued that level of production this year, already having been named Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week and rushing for a staggering five touchdowns against UC Davis.
Denzel Boston, junior wide receiver, No. 12 — Heading into the 2025 season, Boston was heralded by many as a potential top 10 draft pick, and he still might be the No. 1 option at wide receiver come late April. He’s a prototypical X, standing at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds. Boston has already racked up 275 yards and three touchdowns, and his frame, length, body control and deceptive speed present a matchup nightmare for the Terps.
Alex McLaughlin, junior safety, No. 12 — McLaughlin arrived at Washington from Northern Arizona in January and has burst onto the scene with some stellar performances in a Husky uniform. He had two interceptions against Washington State, one of which was returned 47 yards for a touchdown. Against Ohio State, he tied a career-high 13 tackles.
Strength
Third downs. One of the only categories Washington leads the conference in is third down conversion rate, at 60.9%. Maryland will need to look to contain the Huskies’ weapons on first and second down to minimize damage on third down, but that’s a task that will prove much easier said than done.
Weakness
Defensive line pressure. Washington is currently tied for 11th in the conference with nine sacks. The Huskies are also bottom-four in the conference in tackles for loss with 18. By comparison, Indiana leads the conference with 49. This lack of talent up front could lead to more holes being created by Maryland’s offensive line, with the chance for inroads to be made in its rushing department Saturday.
Three things to watch
1. Gameday atmosphere. This contest has perhaps the biggest stakes and hype surrounding a Maryland home game since Ohio State in 2022, and Michigan and Penn State in 2023. But this time, it’s not about the team that’s heading into SECU Stadium, but rather the trajectory and promise of the team that calls the Shell home.
A win for the Terps Saturday would do wonders for the fanbase, players and coaches — and the buzz would only continue to grow surrounding this team.
2. A close finish? Maryland has not played in a game that has come down to the wire yet. Against the Huskies, an ending like that remains a serious possibility. How the Terps perform down the stretch, and how poised quarterback Malik Washington is as time dwindles Saturday could make all the difference.
3. More pressure. Maryland is currently tied with Indiana for second in the Big Ten in sacks (16). Sidney Stewart, Zahir Mathis, Cam Rice and company will have a tall task in attacking the elusive Williams Saturday, but forcing him to make quick decisions could limit the home-run production of Boston and fellow wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck.
