College football expert predicts Maryland football's starting QB for 2025 season
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Maryland football lost several starters and backups from its 4-8 team last season. Between graduation and the transfer portal, attrition hit Mike Locksley's program pretty hard -- especially at the most important position. Maryland lost its top four QBs from last season to the portal. Billy Edwards Jr. was the starting QB for the Terrapins, but he is now with Big Ten foe Wisconsin.
Most of the attention surrounding Maryland is currently focused on the QB. Who will Mike Locksley start? The options are simple: UCLA transfer Justyn Martin or true freshman Malik Washington. Sophomore Khristian Martin is another option, but the former two are the likely choices to see in Week 1 against FAU.
College football historian and expert Phil Steele released his magazine this week, and he predicted the Terrapins' starting lineup this year. His pick for the starting signal caller is the true freshman.
“Locksley has started Juice Williams, Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa as true frosh so Washington is my pick to win the job," Steele wrote. "He was [in for spring] and has size and speed, a talented arm and picked up the offense quickly."
Phil Steele’s prediction for Maryland football’s starting QB is in:
— Inside Maryland Sports (@Terrapins247) June 12, 2025
“Locksley has started Juice Williams, Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa as true frosh so Washington is my pick to win the job.” pic.twitter.com/h8f0zVGpXb
As Steele noted, Locksley has been around a while and has shown he isn't afraid to throw QBs into the fire. Washington was recruited to become the future of Maryland football -- so why not now? Washington was the No. 99 overall player and No. 10 QB in the 2025 class, per the Composite. The 6-foot-4 QB started his journey as low as No. 279 in the country, but after impressive camps and high school seasons, he propelled his way into a must-have recruit.
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Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Senior Writer for Michigan Wolverines On SI for the 2024 football season. Trent is also the managing editor for Maryland On SI. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.
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