After an All-American season in 2025, Jaxon Smith has elected to medically redshirt the 2026 campaign.
The loss is a crushing blow for Maryland wrestling, a program that has already struggled to hit the ground running after an 0-4 start to conference play. Smith hasn’t hit the mat since a Nov. 15 matchup at The Citadel. The Terps have since gone 2-4 overall.
Smith’s 2024-25 season was nothing short of historic, becoming
Maryland’s first All-American since 2019. Smith ended his season sixth overall in the nation and posted an outstanding 24-10 record in the 184lb weight class. Smith also finished second in the U23 Nationals and third in the U23 Pan-Am Championships, wrestling at 86kg.
Smith was the most decorated athlete in College Park last year, earning awards such as 2025 NWCA Scholar All-American, Maryland Male Medal of Honor and Maryland Student-Athlete of the Year.
With this season serving as Smith’s final year of eligibility, Maryland will need to appeal to the NCAA for a medical waiver in order to retain his services for next season.
In other news
Maryland men’s basketball will face No. 11 Illinois Wednesday night. Matt Germack previewed the conference bout.
Guard Diggy Coit has been named National Player of the Week for the second time this season after his 43-point performance against Penn State.
Maryland defender Luca Costabile signed a professional contract with Toronto FC II.
Three Maryland women’s lacrosse players received preseason All-American honors.
Maryland track & field released its 2026 schedules.
Kicker Sean O’Haire re-signed with Maryland for 2026.
