Head Coach: Mike Locksley
2025 Record: 4-8 (1-8 Big Ten)
Quick 2025 Recap
Maryland started 2025 the way they start every year. They won every game in September (and August, in last year’s case) and lost every game the minute October came around. The Terps played a couple of teams close early in the losing streak, but as the losses piled up, so did the blowouts. The three October games (Washington and Nebraska, and UCLA on the road), were all three-point losses decided in the fourth quarter. And, “decided in the fourth quarter”
in this particular case means “the opponent was down in the fourth quarter, and came back from a deficit to win.“ Washington scored 21-unanswered to win, Nebraska was down seven, and UCLA scored 13 to keep Maryland away.
By the time November turned around, and the Terrapins seemed to have let the bottom fall out. A justifiable beatdown at the hands of Indiana, followed by a head scratcher of a beatdown at the hands of Rutgers, then another one where they managed only six points against Illinois (their lowest point total of the season), left them fighting for bowl eligibility against Michigan, who they promptly lost to 45-20.
By the time the season finale against Michigan State came around, the team was bloodied and ready to be done with the season. 38-28.
Offensive Player to Watch: QB Malik Washington
Even with the atrocious year, Maryland managed to keep its prized quarterback for one more season. If there’s any hope in 2026, it starts with him and the offense —in fairness, defense hasn’t really been a defining characteristic of the Terps under Locksley, so offense is by default.
The Terps have always had good, if not great, skill position players. This year will be no different. Keeping Washington in College Park should at worst maintain a certain level of performance on offense.
Defensive Player to Watch: DE Zahir Mathis
Having just made fun of the Maryland defense, let me contradict myself for a minute. The name should be familiar to some, as Mathis was a Penn State target at one point. He joined Maryland and immediately made an impact on an awful defense, earning Freshman All-American status. The Terps got a major boost when Mathis announced he’d return to Maryland for the 2026 season.
Maryland also managed keep Sidney Steward, and, along with Zion Elee and Daniel Wingate, they do have actual pieces to work with in 2026.
Maryland Wins If…
With the hatred that burns with the power of a thousand suns off to Virginia Tech, Maryland actually stands a chance in the series again! This, coupled with a retooled Penn State defense that focuses on the run, against a team that doesn’t know what running the ball is, could lead to an entertaining afternoon for the crab contingent.
The formula is already there. Fall behind the Terps early, a defense that got reinforcements keeps the Lions at bay, and a repeat of the 2020 season is in the cards. Moreover, if the Terps have not yet been eliminated from bowl contention by this point, they would actually have something to play for.
Penn State Wins If…
The talent differential, coaching differential, and depth differential show up on the field. Even the gutted-and-retooled Penn State roster of 2026 is better than that of Maryland’s, and, if the coaching is the upgrade we perceive it to be, this game should be more than manageable.
We probably won’t see the pettiness of running up the score for funsies anymore, though.
