Maryland quarterback Malik Washington (7) throws a pass against Michigan State in the second quarter at Ford Field. Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

Malik Washington's return to Maryland is massive win for program

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Dec 13, 2025 11:02 PM ET

Malik Washington arrived at the University of Maryland before the 2025 season as a prized recruit, and then exceeded expectations by setting the school's freshman passing record. On Saturday, Washington and Maryland announced that he had agreed to a deal to stick with the program and return for the 2026 season.

It's a huge win for Maryland, and also a sign of the times in college athletics.

Malik Washington staying is major win for Maryland

Washington's success as a freshman, as well as the current state of college football with the transfer portal and NIL deals dominating everything, made him a prime candidate to be targeted by a bigger program this offseason. It might not be popular with traditional college football fans (or coaches), but it is the way of the world in the NCAA right now and something that everybody is going to have to get used to.

But the fact that Washington, a Maryland native, is sticking it out with the Terrapins for at least another year has to fill the program with optimism going into 2026.

Sophomore Season

https://t.co/uboCj2twms pic.twitter.com/5uxOfozO37
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) December 14, 2025

Said Washington in a statement released by the program:

"Representing this team, this area, means so much to me and my family. This is home and we're going to continue keeping the best athletes from this area here with the Terps. I believe in everyone in our facility and I know we're building something that our fans will be excited about for years to come."

He finished the season passing for 2,963 yards and 17 touchdowns, becoming just the second true freshman to throw for over 2,500 yards and rush for over 300 yards in the Big Ten since 1996.

Maryland still has to build a solid team and program around him, but having an experienced, dual-threat quarterback coming back is a huge advantage for the team going into next season. It is the most important position on the field, and a game-changing position. Had Maryland lost him this offseason, it would have been a devastating blow to the program. Not just because it would have lost a top young quarterback, but also because it would have lost a top young quarterback from their own backyard. If they can not keep that player, what chance does the program have?

Now they do not have to worry about it. They know they have their quarterback.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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