Maryland: Possible Transfers to Watch

With head coach Mike Locksley being fired on Wednesday morning, Maryland players will have a 15-day window to enter the transfer portal five days after a new head coach is hired or publicly announced. Here are five players to keep an eye on as possible transfer targets if they decide to make themselves available once a new coach is hired:

QB Malik Washington

• Sophomore
• 6-foot-0, 205-pounds
• Folsom, California

The skinny: While Washington hasn’t necessarily progressed this season, he has shown more than enough potential to make him a hot commodity in the portal. As a former 5-star recruit, Washington has the arm talent and long-term eligibility that every major quarterback-needy program looks for. If he hits the market, he would command premier attention.

DE Zion Elee

• Freshman
• 6-foot-4, 220-pounds
• Baltimore, Maryland

The skinny: Elee was the jewel of Maryland’s 2026 recruiting class, arriving as a 5-star edge rusher. In the transfer portal, premium pass rushers are very highly regarded. Elite programs are always willing to dive into the portal for dynamic, raw defensive ends who can alter an opponent’s game plan from day one. He has flashed his potential this season with 12 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.

LB Sidney Stewart

• Sophomore
• 6-foot-2, 247-pounds
• Joppa, Maryland

The skinny: While Elee brings the freshman hype, Stewart brings proven production. Following a massive freshman season when he totaled 32 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 7 sacks, he has continued to progress in 2026 with 26 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in seven games. His speed and play-making abilities would make him an attractive option for any team looking for an immediate upgrade to their pass rush.

S Messiah Delhomme

• Sophomore
• 6-foot-2, 205-pounds
• Newport News, Virginia

The skinny: If Delhomme were to enter the transfer portal, he would instantly become a highly coveted commodity. Safeties with his specific blend of elite size, immediate P4 production, and athletic versatility are rare in the portal market. Already with 19 games of experience in his back pocket, he has totaled 64 tackles, three tackles for loss, three interceptions and five passed defended.

LB Zahir Mathis

• Sophomore
• 6-foot-6, 240-pounds
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The skinny: Even with a season-ending lower leg injury keeping him off the field, Mathis would still be a premier transfer portal priority due to a rare combination of elite physical traits, proven P4 production, and multiple years of remaining eligibility. A next-level talent who was a freshman All-American in 2025, Mathis finished the season with 35 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.