With just 20 days remaining until Maryland football kicks off a pivotal 2026 season against Hampton, Testudo Times is taking an in-depth look at the situations in every position group for the Terps. Keep a lookout for more position previews that’ll come out every other day; for now, it’s time to talk about perhaps the least debatable starting spot on the roster.
While Maryland football’s starting quarterback decision wasn’t made until hours before the 2025 season opener, there is no debate this season.
After a standout freshman campaign, Malik Washington announced his plans to remain with the Terps during the offseason. His return was part of Maryland’s 71% returning production — the second-highest mark nationally.
However, a wave of quarterbacks departed the program: Justyn Martin transferred to Ohio State, Khristian Martin left for Fresno State and Roman Jensen committed to Shippensburg. Even Jackson Hamilton, son of offensive assistant Pep Hamilton, is currently listed as a wide receiver after redshirting last year as a quarterback recruit.
Michael Locksley addressed the position group with three transfers and a three-star commit, but questions remain about the team’s depth.
Washington runs the show
A highly-touted four-star recruit, Washington lived up to the billing during his freshman year. He became the program’s first freshman starting quarterback in a season opener since 2012 and looked composed under center.
Washington navigated a pass-heavy offense, with his 473 attempts ranking sixth nationally. His most impressive performance came in the final game, when he threw for 459 passing yards and three touchdowns. Washington’s downfield arm strength and ability to quickly hit his receivers on the outside opened up the playbook in 2025.
While he showcased his arm talent, Washington’s mobility wasn’t called upon often. But that was part of Locksley’s plan. Outside of his 164-yard rushing outing against Rutgers, Washington only scrambled for 139 yards across his other starts.
With new offensive coordinator Clint Trickett, it’s likely Washington sees more involvement in the ground game. Trickett’s quarterback-designed run game should take pressure off his arm and allow him to utilize his athleticism.
Late-game scenarios were the main area where Washington struggled in 2025. Maryland’s fourth-quarter drives stalled out against Washington and Nebraska, including opportunities to retake the lead. The Terps suffered three consecutive close losses during their eight-game losing streak.
“[It’s] all about the finish. Really, that was the part we lacked in last year,” Washington said. “It’s something that we needed the experience to go through.”
The offense will once again go as far as Washington can take it in his second season as the full-time starter. But an expanded playbook should also further showcase his talent in 2026.
Veteran transfers provide depth
With just one returner from last year’s quarterback room, Maryland’s backup options lie in its transfer class.
Sacramento State transfer Cardell Williams is the most experienced of the bunch. The 6-foot-2 redshirt senior ran away with the starting job after coming off the bench during the first two games.
Williams had a 63.1% completion percentage, which is the sixth-highest single-season mark in program history. But he is also a dual-threat quarterback, particularly in the red zone — Williams ran for 378 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025.
Jack Capaldi and Max Lawrence combined for zero passes last year at Fordham University and Graceland University, respectively. However, Capaldi has experience running the offense.
During the 2024 season, he started nine games after the starter went down with injury. Capaldi threw for 1,573 passing yards and eight touchdowns that year, including a 310-yard performance against Bucknell. Still, with only 13 appearances across his four seasons at Fordham, he remains an unproven replacement.
The new face
While Nathan Bernhard will likely redshirt this season, his upside for the future is clear.
A three-star recruit and the No. 19-ranked quarterback in the 2026 class, Bernhard was a star in high school. He passed for 2,878 yards and 31 touchdowns during his senior season and wasn’t turnover-prone, throwing just two interceptions in 2025.
Bernhard is a threat on the ground as well. He rushed for 674 yards and 21 touchdowns on 4.5 yards per carry. At 6-foot-5, Bernhard’s imposing frame makes him a tough player to bring down.
With no clear-cut backup option established, he could make a case to see the field during nonconference play. But with more proven options ahead of him, Bernhard will likely conserve his eligibility and spend the majority of the season on the sidelines.
