2026 Maryland Football Preview
Jake Wimberly
Abby Boyd Contributing-
What’s to like:
Maryland has steadily improved its roster over the past several seasons, and that progress is beginning to show. The Terrapins have added more athleticism throughout the lineup, particularly at the skill positions, where they have players capable of creating big plays with the ball in their hands. When the offense is operating efficiently, Maryland has enough speed to challenge just about anyone in the conference.
The overall talent level has also improved compared to where the program was a few years ago. Recruiting and player development have helped Maryland become a more competitive team on a weekly basis. While there is still room for growth, the Terrapins have built a stronger foundation than they had in previous seasons.
What’s not to like:
Depth remains one of Maryland's biggest concerns. The starting lineup is capable of competing with many teams in the conference, but injuries at key positions could quickly expose a lack of experienced backups. That's an area where the conference's top programs still have an advantage.
Maryland also continues to work toward becoming a more physical football team. Against stronger opponents, the difference in the trenches has been noticeable at times. Until the Terrapins consistently match that level of physicality, sustaining success over an entire season will remain a challenge.
What does the Hourglass say?
Maryland- Big Ten (5-7)
Power ranking 39.72.
2026 Maryland Analytics
National recruiting rating (three year metric): #46- outside the boundary of a National Championship Roster.
National Coaching Ranking:
Mike Locksley- 59th in Power 5 and 16th in the Big Ten.
2026 coaching value= 9 (average 2026 Power 5 coaching value=21.93) Mike Locksley is ranked lower of the pack for coaches in the Power 5.
Quarterback Play: Malik Washington- ranked 27th in the Power 4, 9th in the Big Ten; 2026 QB value= 36 (Power 4 average- 26.43).
Impact Ball Catcher Metric: Maryland has an Impact Ball Catcher Metric of 2. This puts the Terpens at the lower tier for the Big Ten in this metric.
Final Thoughts:
Maryland has enough talent to compete for another bowl appearance, but taking the next step will depend on becoming more consistent from week to week. Mike Locksley has improved the roster, particularly at the skill positions, and the program continues to move in the right direction. If the Terrapins improve their depth and line play, they could finish higher in the conference standings.
2026 Schedule analysis:
Projected Hourglass W/L record: Games in red denote games that could be a one possession game or even a different outcome than projection.
9/5/26 Hampton- Win
9/12/26 At UConn- Win
9/19/26 Virginia Tech- Loss
9/26/26 UCLA- Loss
10/3/26 At Nebraska- Loss
10/10/26 At Ohio State- Loss
10/17/26 Rutgers- Win
10/31/26 Illinois- Win
11/7/26 At Purdue- Win
11/14/26 Wisconsin- Loss
11/21/26 At USC- Loss
11/28/26 Penn State- Loss
