Staff Predictions for 2026 Maryland Football Season
In this story:
Two extremes are true: this is the best roster Maryland football has assembled in a very long time, but it will have to contend with what looks like the deepest conference in the sport.
So with the season opener just one week away, we'd like to set the record straight on what our personal expectations are for the Terps this fall.
Is a 13th game in our crystal balls? And who do we think will stand out the most on the journey to try to get there? Read on to find out.
Mike Ostrowski
- Record: 6-6 (3-6)
- Signature Win: Virginia Tech
- Team MVP: Malik Washington
- Bowl: Pinstripe
A few weeks ago, I would have been all aboard the 7-5 hype train, but with the Terps already suffering major losses in the secondary and in the pass rush, my confidence in the squad pulling off more than one upset has dropped significantly.
Instead, I see a squad that is built to once again have a strong start - highlighted by taking down a vastly overrated Virginia Tech team in Week 3 - before fading down the stretch.
While I don't forsee James Franklin having quite as rough a start with VT as, say, Bill Belichick in Chapel Hill, the revamped Hokies are in a much more delicate position than is widely let on. Having this test early in the season and in primetime is a huge opportunity for the Terrapins, and one they can't afford to waste on their path back to bowl contention.
From that point, the 3-0 Terps would then take three of the four contests against UCLA, Rutgers, Wisconsin, and Purdue. Once again, the arm of Malik Washington will keep them in most games, but a lack of depth in the secondary will be exploited by the Big Ten's other pass heavy offenses.
Only six wins may feel like a disappointment - and in all honesty, it probably is - but it will still be enough to earn Maryland fans a trip back to the Bronx, where, just like in 2021, they will have a chance to face another old ACC foe: the Pitt Panthers.
Michael Cavallo
Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big Ten)
Signature Win: UCLA
Team MVP: Malik Washington
Bowl: Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Maryland’s 2026 path hinges on three defining elements, a nonconference schedule they should realistically navigate, two pivotal Big Ten toss‑up games against UCLA and Nebraska that will shape their trajectory, and a punishing November stretch that has repeatedly derailed otherwise promising seasons. If the Terps can split those swing games and finally avoid their annual late‑season fade, they’ll position themselves for another bowl appearance.
The Terps' best opportunity for a true 2026 statement victory comes at home against UCLA, a matchup that arrives early in the season before depth attrition and injuries typically begin to chip away at the roster. UCLA brings talent but also inconsistency, and Maryland’s athletic profile aligns well with what usually gives the Bruins trouble.
A secondary candidate for a signature win is a road upset at Nebraska, especially if Malik Washington outperforms Anthony Colandrea in a tight, late‑possession game.
Washington projects as Maryland’s team MVP because his development is the single biggest factor in determining the program’s ceiling.
He’s the most dynamic offensive weapon on the roster, capable of elevating the entire unit with his arm talent, mobility, and ability to create off‑script. His offseason focus on finishing drives and improving fourth‑quarter execution directly targets Maryland’s most persistent weakness, giving the Terps a chance to flip close games that have slipped away in recent years.
If Washington delivers a true Year 2 leap, Maryland becomes dangerous enough to steal a game or two they otherwise wouldn’t, and that alone could swing their season.
A Duke’s Mayo Bowl matchup against NC State fits Maryland’s 2026 profile perfectly. A mid‑tier Big Ten bowl slot, an East Coast location that makes travel easy for fans, and an opponent that provides a meaningful measuring stick for where the program stands heading into 2027.
It’s the type of game that would generate real interest and give Maryland a chance to close the season with momentum.
Jaden Golding
Record: 6-6 (3-6 Big Ten)
Signature Win: Virginia Tech
Team MVP: Sidney Stewart
Bowl: Music City Bowl
I really wanted to provide more optimism about this 2026 Maryland Terrapins squad, but the uncertainty around the wide receiver group's production, the loss of two key defensive starters, and overall youth on the team make me hesitant to call for an above .500 record for the first time since 2023.
If there's one thing I've learned from being a Maryland football watcher over the years, it's that August into September is always a positive for the program, with strong starts against its non-conference opponents. This year I expect nothing less....
Opening up against Hampton, traveling to UConn in week two, and returning home for a local rivalry showdown against the James Franklin-led Virginia Tech Hokies.
I'm in agreement with Mike Ostrowski that this season's signature win will come up at home against Virginia Tech in a Saturday night primetime slot, fueling a hot 3-0 start to the season.
Malik Washington could really have a coming-out performance in front of a primetime audience at home against Tech, despite the return of former VT head coach Brent Pry to man the defense. There are also questions regarding the offensive line at Tech and how former Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer does within the offense.
With the loss of edge rusher Zahir Mathis, I envision Sidney Stewart developing and growing even more after a team-high seven-sack 2025 season. This season, Stewart will finish with double-digit sacks, 50+ tackles, two or more forced fumbles, and at least 50 pressures en route to first- or second-team All-Big Ten honors.
This defense will be the catalyst if the Terps can stay within reach in those tougher Big Ten matchups against Illinois, USC, UCLA, Penn State, and Ohio State.
Maryland's other three victories should come against Rutgers on Oct. 17th, at Purdue on Nov. 7th and finally back at home against Wisconsin a week later on Nov. 14th.
Those six total wins should be enough to return to Nashville for the Music City Bowl (2023 won against Auburn) against a middle-of-the-pack SEC team such as South Carolina, which can provide a good QB matchup between Washington and star Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers to finish the season and reclaim a bowl victory.
More from Maryland On SI
Stay up to date with the Terrapins by bookmarking Maryland On SI and follow us on Twitter.
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Mike joined Maryland On SI with over four years of sportswriting experience. He started off his career in Syracuse on the Orange football beat, where he was featured on CBS Sports' Cover 3 Podcast and local ESPN sports talk radio. After that, he had a brief stint reporting on Major League Baseball before returning to college sports.
Follow MOstrowski_
Jaden's sports journalism career began at the College of Southern Maryland from 2022-2023, where he was brought in to cover baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball at CSM. In late 2023, he began interning at the University of Maryland Athletics Department as a contributing writer to help develop feature stories and game recaps. He also creates his own sports media content on professional Washington teams with LegacyMaker Sports Network.
Michael is a passionate sports writer who covers Major League Baseball, the NFL, college football, Maryland University, Rutgers University, and Monmouth football. With published work at FanSided, The Rutgers Wire (USA Today), and The League Winners, Michael delivers insightful analysis, in-depth features, and timely coverage that connects fans to the heart of the game. His work highlights key storylines and standout performances across both professional (NFL & MLB) and collegiate sports (Football, Baseball, Basketball, and Wrestling), with a strong focus on New Jersey-based programs.