2025 Maryland Terrapins Preview: Must Demonstrate Competitive Progress

Key Players to Watch

• Malik Washington (QB, Fr.) – A top-5 quarterback recruit nationally whose spring performance ignited excitement; a potential game-changer if he stays healthy.
• Justyn Martin (QB, Jr., UCLA transfer) – The safe, experienced choice in a muddled QB room. Known for his unconventional mechanics and dual-threat ability.
• Jalil Farooq (WR, Sr., via transfer from Oklahoma) – A solid, polished target who adds much-needed depth to a porous passing game.
• Jalen Huskey (S, Sr.) & Daniel Wingate (LB, Jr.) – Veteran defenders expected to anchor Maryland’s rebuilt front seven.

Game Focus: Key Showdowns

1. Season Opener vs Florida Atlantic (Aug 30)

Without a clear starting QB yet, this opener looms large. A win provides momentum and confidence. A stumble here—especially at SECU Stadium—would raise early questions about leadership and readiness.

2. Home vs Washington / Nebraska / Indiana (Midseason Stretch)

I know it’s cheating to pick 3 games in 1. However, this stretch defines Maryland’s season and near-term future. Washington and Nebraska provide tough tests, but Indiana at home on Homecoming shapes up as a more balanced matchup—and a possible statement win in Big Ten play.

3. Home vs Michigan State (Nov 29)

A winnable contest with a bowl berth and Locksley’s job both potentially on the line. Michigan State is a rebuilding program, and the type of team Maryland should be able to beat at home. A loss would likely end any postseason hopes and leave everyone with a bad taste leading into an uncertain offseason.

Season Outlook & Final Prediction

What pundits say:

• RJ Young ranks Maryland 76th nationally and sets the over/under win total at 4.5 games—indicating low external expectations.
• Athlon Sports places them 17th in the Big Ten, ahead only of Purdue—suggesting no bowl appearance.
• ELO projections settle on a 4–8 record (3–0 non-conference, 1–8 Big Ten), with predicted victories over FAU, Northern Illinois, Towson, and a late-season upset over Michigan State in Detroit.

EasySportz’ prediction:

• Final Record: 5–7 (2–7 in Big Ten)
• Projected Wins:
  • Florida Atlantic (Opener) – Close win to get things rolling
  • Northern Illinois & Towson – Expected early non-conference wins
  • Indiana (Homecoming) – A gutsy upset conference win in front of the home crowd
  • Rutgers (Road Finale)
• Likely Losses:
  • Washington & Nebraska – Tougher midseason cups
  • Wisconsin, UCLA, Michigan State, Illinois – Competitive games but tilt against Maryland’s youth and depth
  • Michigan – A tough closing home game showdown

Maryland football enters 2025 at a crossroads—with intriguing QB options, coaching reinforcements, and a schedule that’s kinder than in recent years. But inexperience under center and a defense in transition temper expectations. I lean toward a modest bounce-back season, avoiding the floor of past seasons but still falling short of bowl territory. Locksley is fired and Maryland starts over.