MM 7.31: Maryland football head coach Michael Locksley remains optimistic about program’s future at Big Ten Media Day

· Yahoo Sports

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Mike Locksley of the Maryland Terrapins looks on before a game against Michigan State Spartans at Ford Field on November 29, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Despite a second straight 4-8 record, Maryland football head coach Michael Locksley believes last year’s team was better than its record indicated. Second-half collapses — displayed by close losses to Washington, Nebraska and UCLA — defined the Terps’ season following a hot start.  

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But with the second-highest returning production nationally, Locksley is confident the Terps are ready to turn the corner ahead of his eighth season at the helm. 

“Some people would say that’s the production of a 4-8 team,” Locksley said. “If you look at the last two years of 4-8, [we were] leading in 11 of the 12 games with one of the youngest teams in the country [but] didn’t find a way to finish three really tough games at the end.”

With the 2026 season rapidly approaching, Big Ten coaches from around the country converged in Chicago for a three-day slate of media appearances. Locksley took the podium Thursday, publicly addressing the media for the first time ahead of the new year.

He detailed the areas that went awry for the Terps during their eight-game losing streak to conclude the season. Inexperienced players and a lack of success in the trenches were the focal points.

“We’ve had to build our trenches on both sides of the football,” Locksley said. “We feel really good about the depth we’ve been able to create. We feel that the tough times are behind us now. This inexperienced group now has gained some really good experience.”

Maryland finished with the fewest rushing yards in the Big Ten last season, but Locksley tackled that weakness throughout the offseason. USC transfer Harry Dalton III and Temple transfer Terrez Worthy join returner DeJuan Williams in the running back room.

Those new pieces should help relieve some pressure off quarterback Malik Washington, who was asked to throw a conference-leading 473 passes. Still, the first-year starter produced 2,963 passing yards and 17 touchdowns.

But Locksley believes Washington’s biggest development over the offseason has nothing to do with his skillset.

“The biggest area I’ve seen him improve upon has been his leadership. When you come in as a young quarterback, you have to find a role for how you can have an impact,” Locksley said. “Now I think he’s comfortable with the leadership he’s going to need to have at that position.”

New offensive coordinator Clint Trickett’s game plan, which features designed quarterback runs, should also aid Washington.

“It adds another aspect to the game. Not just my game, but our offensive game as a total, something defenses have to gameplan and worry about,” Washington said.

With under five weeks remaining until Maryland’s 2026 season kicks off, Locksley is confident this year’s team can get the program back on track.

In other news

Maryland men’s basketball is one of eight finalists for No. 50-ranked class of 2027 guard J’Lon Lyons.

Former Terps utility man Brayden Martin produced his first career professional hit with an RBI single.

Maryland baseball currently has the 24th-best transfer class, according to 64 Analytics.

Former Maryland women’s basketball forward Alyssa Thomas was instrumental in the Phoenix Mercury’s comeback win on Wednesday.

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