The Terps offseason has been less about patchwork and more about identity building. What’s emerging is a roster that looks dramatically different from last year’s group: older, bigger, and far more aligned with Williams’ preferred style, which is physical and defensive.

A frontcourt built around size and toughness

Let’s start with the frontcourt because that’s where the most obvious philosophical shift has taken place.

The additions of Croatian forward Tomislav Buljan and Queens transfer Maban Jabriel signal exactly what Williams wants the Terps to be. Buljan arrives after averaging a double-double (13.1 points, 10.3 rebounds) at New Mexico, bringing proven production and a physical presence at 6-foot-9, 250 pounds. Jabriel adds more size and experience to a frontcourt that is also awaiting the pending medical redshirt of Pharrel Payne. Robert Jennings comes to College Park after 99 games, and 52 starts in the Big 12 with Texas Tech and Oklahoma State.

This isn’t accidental roster construction. Williams is clearly prioritizing rebounding, interior defense, and lineup versatility in the frontcourt. Expect Maryland to look far more comfortable playing through the paint—both offensively and defensively—than it did a year ago.

Big Ten games are often won with physicality and depth rather than pace and finesse. Maryland’s frontcourt now looks capable of matching up with the league’s more bruising teams instead of getting pushed around.

A high-upside backcourt anchored by a potential star

While the frontcourt sets the tone, the backcourt may determine how far next year’s Terps team will go.

The most notable transfer portal addition is former five-star guard DJ Wagner, who arrives from Arkansas with significant pedigree and something to prove. Wagner has long been viewed as a dynamic scorer and playmaker, and Maryland is betting that a change of scenery along with a system that will give him the ball can unlock his full potential.

While the upside is there, Wagner will certainly have a lot riding on his shoulders next season. This roster doesn’t project as elite offensively unless Wagner becomes a true lead guard who can create advantages.

If Wagner becomes the leader Maryland needs him to be, the Terps suddenly have a go-to option late in games, which is something that has been inconsistent in recent seasons. If he doesn’t, the offense could again become overly reliant on half-court execution without a true shot creator or a strong stable of shooters.

Joining Wagner in the backcourt will be Tennessee transfer Bishop Boswell, who averaged 6.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game for the Volunteers last season. Having started 33 games for Rick Barnes in Knoxville last season, experience might be the biggest asset he brings with him to College Park. A work in progress as a shooter, Boswell is known as a lockdown defender.

The combo of Wagner and Boswell give Maryland a set of experienced guards who could create one of the country’s best duos if they’re able to run halfcourt sets successfully and up their consistency as shooters.

The return of guards Andre Mills and Rakease Passmore, as well as last-minute transfer portal addition Michael McNair (Boston) and incoming freshman Kaden House, gives the Terps some backcourt depth.

The freshman class raises the ceiling

Speaking of incoming freshmen, one of the more intriguing aspects of Maryland’s offseason isn’t from the portal at all—it’s the incoming recruiting class.

Headlined by five-star wing Baba Oladotun and supported by players like House and Adama Tambedou, the freshman group adds athleticism and long-term upside.

This creates an interesting dynamic. The portal additions provide immediate stability and experience, while the freshmen inject talent and potential star power.

That balance is exactly what modern roster building demands. Too many veterans, and your ceiling is capped. Too many freshmen, and your floor collapses. Maryland appears to be finding the balance.

What the rotation could look like

Guards: Wagner, Boswell, Mills, McNair, House, Del Pino, Passmore, Sotell
Wings: Oladotun, Turkson Jr., Brown, Jabriel
Bigs: Payne*, Buljan, Jennings II, Tambedou

* = pending medical redshirt

Projecting a rotation in April is always risky, but things are starting to take shape.

Guards: Wagner likely runs the show with a mix of returning players and freshmen filling out the perimeter rotation. Boswell likely becomes his running mate in the starting backcourt and his defense could take some of the load off of Wagner at that end of the floor. ’25-’26 was a lost year for MD, but Andre Mills took advantage of the minutes available, and had a very promising RS Freshman season. Passmore missed the year with an ACL injury, but both he and House are Top 50 National recruits, which give MD good depth. We will see if McNair can find minutes, but he averaged 16.9 games for Boston University, making 44% of his 3’s on 7.3 attempts per game. If MD has trouble spacing the floor, he could earn more time than currently expected.

Wings: Oladotun and others provide length and athleticism, but it remains to be seen where the shooting will come from. Maybe it’s Mills over Oladotun in more 3 guard alignments? Could be incoming freshman Austin Brown, who showed some range in high school. Clearly Oladotun is going to play a lot.  Turkson didn’t play a lot this year as a RS Freshman, but he’ll be going into his 3 year in Williams’ system, and was a former Top 100 recruit.

Frontcourt: Payne (pending medical redshirt), Buljan, Jennings, and Jabriel headline a deep, physical group that should anchor the defense and rebounding. Jabriel might be more of a 3 overall, but I see him getting time as a spot-up 4.

The biggest change fans will notice is stylistic. This should be a more deliberate, defense-first team that tries to control games rather than outscore opponents.

What fans should realistically expect

Here’s where it’s time to be blunt. This roster is better constructed than last year’s, but that doesn’t automatically make it great.

There are still real questions: Can Wagner be an efficient, high-level lead guard? Will the offense generate enough spacing and shooting? How quickly will the freshmen adjust to Big Ten play?

At the same time, there are reasons for optimism. Maryland’s incoming class—transfers plus freshmen—has been rated among the most impactful in the country, a sign that the overall talent level is rising. More importantly, the pieces actually fit together in a coherent way. That wasn’t always the case in recent years, particularly last year.

The bigger picture: Year 2 of the Buzz Williams era

Ultimately, this roster is less about chasing a championship immediately and more about establishing a foundation. Williams’ first year exposed gaps in toughness, consistency, and identity. This portal cycle looks like a direct response to those issues.

The 2026–27 team should be harder to play against, more consistent defensively, and better equipped for Big Ten physicality. Whether that translates to a top-tier finish or just incremental improvement depends largely on guard play and offensive development.

But the direction is clear: Maryland is no longer trying to piece together a roster. It’s building a program identity and this portal cycle might be the first real glimpse of what that identity will look like. We’ve seen Williams have success with this type of roster in the past. Can he recreate the magic in College Park? Time will tell.

The post Maryland Basketball Reloads Via Transfer Portal appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

When opportunity meets talent, a newcomer can thrive early. But which of these newly minted Terps will get the chance to contribute right away, and who might have the biggest impact? We dive deeper…

Offense

Tellek Lockette, RG – With the need to replace multiple starters on the offensive line, there’s an immediate opening for the Texas State transfer. Lockette brings plenty of experience to the table, and he should slot into the starting right guard position next season. Before taking a redshirt year in 2025 due to injury, the 6-foot-3, 327-pounder started 30 games for the Bobcats over three seasons. He was a preseason First Team All-Sun Belt selection last season before sitting out the year.

Harry Dalton III, RB – The running back room in College Park is crowded entering next season, but it’s not necessarily loaded. Incumbents Dejuan Williams, Iverson Howard, and Bud Coombs will likely get first crack, but Dalton could climb the depth chart quickly if he impresses when given opportunities. The USC transfer appeared in four games as a true freshman last season. He carried the ball eight times for 44 yards (5.5 yards per carry) for the Trojans, but the Virginia native has returned to the East Coast, where he was a multi-sport star at Dinwiddie County High School. The 5-foot-10, 205-pound tailback finished his prep career as the Richmond-area’s all-time leader in yards (11,282) and touchdowns (160). He has four years of eligibility remaining, so the Terps could begin to groom him this year for a bigger future role.

Preston Howard, TE – Terps fans will recognize Howard’s name, as he began his college career at Maryland before entering the transfer portal the first time. After a stop in Auburn, he’s made his way back to College Park, and it comes at a good time. Former Offensive Coordinator Pep Hamilton liked to deploy multiple-tight end formations, but it’s not a position where the Terps have a ton of depth. Howard helps fix that with plenty of experience under his belt and familiarity with his “new” surroundings. We will see how new OC Clint Trickett utilizes. Howard started seven games at tight end for Auburn last season, and before that, he produced for the Terps by hauling in 37 catches for 349 yards and a touchdown between the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He and Dorian Fleming have the inside track to lead the tight end room in starts and snaps next season.

Chris Durr Jr. & Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding, WR – Maryland’s wide receiver room got decimated by offseason departures, but that opens the door for transfer portal additions like Durr and Gladding. In particular, Shaleak Knotts, Jalil Farooq, and Octavian Smith Jr. combined for 145 catches, 1,791 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns last season. The trio is out of eligibility and leaves behind some big shoes to fill. But Durr and Gladding, albeit against a lower level of competition, combined for 96 catches, 1,136 yards, and 10 touchdowns last season, so the Terps are hoping they can step in right away and make up for most of that production. Durr is more of a slot receiver, although Gladding has some experience there as well. Both very well could begin the year as starting receivers.

Defense

Zion Elee, OLB – Let’s start with the most obvious. Elee is a five-star prospect and the gem of Maryland’s 2025 recruiting class. He joins an impressive young group of pass rushers in College Park and should make his presence felt right away because of his immense talent. Whether an immediate starter or not, Elee will likely rotate with Sidney Stewart at the SAM linebacker position. They’ll be getting after opposing quarterbacks with the likes of Zahir Mathis and Daniel Wingate. If he’s as good as projected, Elee could help make this one of the best pass-rushing corps in the country.

Amari Jackson, DB – Maryland’s secondary struggled last season, but a veteran cornerback with 28 starts in the ACC should help bolster that unit. Jackson transferred in from Boston College and figures to take over starting Nickle duties right away. Between his last two seasons at Boston College, the 5-foot-11, 190-pounder recorded 28 tackles, nine pass breakups, and one interception. His most productive season at BC was actually his sophomore year in 2023, when he started all 13 games and totaled 39 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and an interception he returned 30 yards for a touchdown. He will have one year of eligibility for the Terps.

Lavon Johnson/Derrick LeBlanc/Armon Parker/Jayvon Parker, DL – The Terps have to replace four of their interior defensive linemen from last season. These four transfer portal additions have the college experience to possibly stave off incoming freshmen at their position like Cam Brickle II and Jamarcus Whyce, but Defensive Coordinator Ted Monachino will likely play whoever he has to in order to improve what was perhaps Maryland’s weakest unit in 2025. The Terps were gashed by the run last season, so look for a steady rotation of fresh bodies on the interior of the defensive line to try to fix that in 2026.

The post Which Terps football additions will have the biggest impact? appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

Luckily for Maryland fans who find themselves in this situation, there are some things to be optimistic about in the 2026-27 season.

Let’s start with a historic trend:

Buzz Williams has never had back-to-back losing seasons as a head coach

Entering this season, Williams had a career coaching record of 373-228 (.618). That’s a big enough sample size to pull from, and it shows that he wins much more than he loses. In 20 years as a head coach, he has only had two losing records (not including this season), and one of those seasons he was 8-10 before the season was cut short because of COVID.

Amongst his other accolades are 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, earning SEC Coach of the Year twice, and 13 seasons with 20+ wins. It seems safe to say Williams and the Terps will bounce back in his second season in College Park.

One thing that will immensely help these efforts is the recruiting class Williams has lined up for next year.

Maryland has a top-ranked recruiting class waiting in the wings

Things can change between now and Signing Day, but Maryland’s class currently looks strong. Led by five-star Baba Oladotun, the Terps sit at No. 4 in 247Sports’ recruiting rankings as of now.

A theme of this class is size. Oladotun is a force at 6-foot-10, 195 pounds. Adama Tambedou (6-foot-7, 230 pounds) and Austin Brown (6-foot-8, 210 pounds) add to the size of this class. The fourth member of the class, Kaden House, is also a nice-sized guard at 6-foot-3. A Terps team that’s forced to play small this season will certainly be getting some reinforcements in the paint soon.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these recruits individually:

Baba Oladotun: As previously mentioned, Oladotun is a five-star stud who will arrive at College Park from nearby Silver Spring, MD. Initially recruited as a small forward, the blue-chipper has continued to grow and now sports a 7-foot-1 wingspan to go along with his 6-foot-10 frame. This means he’ll likely be more of a post player in college, but his small forward skills will certainly help set him apart and give him more ways to impact the game. He does need to add some bulk in order to excel in the paint at the college level, but he has some time to do that, and the strength and conditioning plan he’ll be put on once he gets to College Park will go a long way. Versatility is the calling card of his game, but there’s still a lot of rawness there. Oladotun made just 28% of his threes and 63% of his free-throws in EYBL play, so his shot is a work in progress. But you can’t teach the handles he already possesses for a big man. His ability to create his own shot and blow by smaller defenders already makes him tough to defend. Various scouting reports cite Oladotun’s footwork as what makes him truly an elite prospect.

Kaden House: The word on House is that he can flat-out score. Whether off the dribble or pulling up to shoot from mid-range, the Chandler, AZ, product gets buckets. He isn’t the best from three, but he can get hot. More of a scoring guard than a distributor, House does have games where he moves the ball well. But sometimes focus is an issue and he turns the ball over more than he should. Considered a high-energy player on both ends of the floor, House is a good rebounding guard who also gets his fair share of steals and blocks. Also in his favor is a strong bloodline. House’s father Eddie is an all-time great in Arizona State history who played for more than a decade in the NBA, including as a member of the Boston Celtics 2008 World Championship team. House’s brothers Kalek and Jaelen can also ball. The former is a fellow four-star prospect in the 2026 class, and Jaelen was a multiple-time All-Mountain West selection and the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.

Adama Tambedou: He isn’t the tallest power forward, but Tambedou can bang with the best of them because of his physicality and strength down low. He is a supreme athlete with a high motor, which helps him play much bigger than his size. Tambedou had an impressive Pro16 season last year, averaging 15.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. He also led the league with 33 dunks in only 14 games. The Springfield, MA, native already has the physical presence needed for the next level, but his finesse game will need some refining. He has shown the ability to knock down some outside shots, but he doesn’t project to be a sniper from deep.

Austin Brown: A native of Lufkin, TX, Brown has been on Williams’ radar since his time at Texas A&M. He could’ve stayed closer to home and still played high-level ball at Arizona State, but his connection with Williams was clearly strong enough to follow him to the East Coast. At 6-foot-8, 210 pounds, Brown has good size and the versatility to play both forward positions. He will have to fill out his wiry frame to play in the post regularly in college, but he could certainly play the four in smaller lineups right away. A tough kid with some upside, this three-star prospect could turn out to be a steal for the Terps

The post Why Maryland Basketball can bounce back in the ‘26-’27 season appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

Athletic Director Jim Smith pledged a commitment to Locksley in early December, cementing the head coach’s place in College Park for at least one more season. Locksley rewarded the University by being arguably one of the early signing period’s biggest winners after he flipped five commitments during the early signing period (six flips total in the class), as well as sealed the deal with local five-star EDGE Zion Elee.

The Flips

Locksley’s sprint to the signing day finish line was not only impressive because of the caliber of players he hauled in, but also because of where some of these players were previously committed.

Safety Darrell Carey was formerly a Penn State pledge, but was part of the mass exodus from State College after the departure of Head Coach James Franklin. College Park provides him with a nice landing spot close to home. But he wasn’t the only recruit committed to a fellow Big Ten team that Locksley poached. IMG Academy (FL) three-star Defensive Lineman Cam Brickle announced his flip from Ohio State to Maryland shortly after visiting campus for the Terps’ home finale against Michigan. Three-star quarterback Nathan Bernhard announced that he would be flipping from Appalachian State to Maryland the next day. So far, Bernhard is the lone QB in this year’s class, adding some needed depth to the position.

The Michigan game proved to be crucial for Locksley’s recruiting efforts, as local (Spalding) Defensive Back Sean Johnson also used it as a catalyst to reconnect with the Terps coaching staff and solidify his decision. Previously committed to Florida State, Johnson decided to stay closer to home and flip to Maryland — first verbally on Nov. 24 and then officially on Signing Day.

Getting the signing day flips started early that morning was Wide Receiver Josiah Teasley, who changed his pledge from Virginia to Maryland. He will join fellow wide receiver and St. James (VA) teammate Jayden Kitchens in the Terps’ 2026 recruiting class. Teasley also mentioned to various sources that his official visit during the Michigan game solidified his intention to flip.

Signing Day’s fifth and final flip was Trotwood-Madison (OH) Defensive Lineman Jamarcus Whyce, who happens to be the older brother of 2028 five-star recruit Jameer Whyce. However, unlike the aforementioned flips, Whyce was not present at the Michigan game. He took his official visit to College Park in June and maintained a close relationship with the Maryland coaching staff throughout his recruitment while being verbally committed to Purdue.

The Rest of the Class

With a total of 16 high school players signed to Maryland on early national signing day, the class can be considered small but mighty. Ranked 42nd nationally, mostly because of the smaller class size, Maryland’s recruiting class still brought in a strong crop of talent.

The clear gem is Elee, who supplanted Stefon Diggs as the highest-rated player to ever sign with the Terps. But four-stars Kaden Carter, Day’jon Moore and Whyce add some flair to the class, while Johnson, Bernhard, Carey, tight ends Javonte Williams and Damon Hall Jr., as well as defensive backs Hakim Satterwhite and Zahir Cobb all rank in the top 60 nationally at their positions.

The small class also opens up the possibility for more transfer portal additions. The Terps can conceivably add 10-15 more players to the class via the portal, which officially opens on January 2, 2026.

Who’s Next?

While the early signing period provided Maryland with a decent start, there are still glaring needs at certain positions.

Offensive line, defensive back, and wide receiver are still priorities for the Terps. Locksley and his staff will surely scour conferences such as the AAC, CUSA, MAC, and the Mountain West for talented players looking to take a step up in competition/national spotlight. Locksley also has a knack for maintaining relationships with top DMV recruits who went elsewhere. Don’t be surprised if a few who fit that mold make their way back to their old stomping grounds and find a home in College Park. And then there’s always the Blue Blood backups searching for more playing time. Who’s unhappy at schools like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State, especially with turmoil occurring at the latter two schools?

Here are some names to keep an eye on:

DeAndre Moore Jr. – WR
One of the highest-rated wideouts in the transfer portal, Moore could go from being productive in the SEC (500+ receiving yards and 7 TDs) to thriving in a WR corps that needs experience and playmaking ability.

Elijah Moore – WR
A Good Counsel (Olney, MD) grad and former Florida State Seminole is in the portal and could bring his 6-foot-4, 204-pound frame back home to immediately be an alpha dog in the Maryland WR corps.

Tank Hawkins – WR
Previously committed to Florida after taking a close look at Penn State, Hawkins may want to revert back to the Big Ten and join a few IMG teammates in College Park. At 5-9, 178-pounds, he could address Maryland’s need in the slot.

Christian Richter – OL
A Baltimore native, Richter will be leaving Marshall to find a new home. His 6-foot-6, 300-pound frame would be a welcomed addition to Maryland’s stock of offensive tackles.

Anwar O’Neal – OL
Hailing from Middletown, DE, O’Neal enrolled in the University of Delaware after high school. This could mean he prefers to stay relatively close to home, and College Park could check that box. Massive frame at 6-foot-5, 309 pounds.

Ja’Son Prevard – CB
At great size for a CB (6-2, 199 pounds), Prevard is originally from New Jersey but initially enrolled at Morgan State before transferring to Virginia. He clearly favors the Mid-Atlantic. Perhaps he’ll favor the Big Ten now as an upgrade over the his stop in the ACC.

Elliott Washington II – CB
A Penn State transfer from Venice, FL, Washington decommitted from Alabama to join the Nittany Lions 2023 recruiting class. He has pro potential if he can land in a place that will get him on the field consistently.

Bo Mascoe & Renick Dorilas – CB
Both Mascoe and Dorilas are transferring from Rutgers and if either or both would like to stay in the Big Ten and/or relatively close to the Northeast, Maryland might be on their radar. Mascoe is originally from Florida so he might opt to return to the South, but Dorilas hails from New Jersey and could be looking to stay in the conference but not too far from since he decided to stay close to home in the first place

The post Maryland Football Building Off Recruiting Class, Returning QB, Coach appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

The Terps have had some early adversity that could hinder or mold this year’s squad as a key stretch of the schedule looms.

Maryland’s only loss this year was a disappointing home letdown against nearby Georgetown back on November 7th. And while the Terps have rattled off three wins in a row against three inferior rosters since, it hasn’t been easy and hasn’t always looked pretty.

Even the most impressive win of that stretch — 89-82 over Marquette — had a degree of disappointment due to a scary moment involving starting center Pharrel Payne, who had to be stretchered off the court with a lower body injury.

When Payne went down, it felt like a season ending injury.

Since then, the news with Payne has been surprisingly positive; and it appears he might be back soon.

Maryland was without Payne against Mount St. Mary’s, and the Terps needed Overtime (and a Xfinity Center record 41 point from Diggy Coit) to survive being upset by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Mountaineers.

Against MSM, MD was missing two other projected starters –  Myles Rice (1 game so far this year, with a lingering ankle injury), and Solomon Washington (also an ankle injury).
Rice is expected to lead MD as the PG, and Washington has been billed as Maryland’s best perimeter defender.

On top of those injuries, MD was also without reserve George Turkson Jr.

A pessimistic view of that game would be, “Maryland should be able to beat Mount St. Mary’s, even with 3 starters missing.” 

An optimistic view of the result would be, “Maryland found a way to win.  MSM was a tournament team a year ago. They got 40+ points from a reserve guard.  It’s understandable that MD is not totally in-sync considering the missing starters, and the limited time this roster has been able to practice together. And worth reminding that Coach Buzz Williams put this roster together completely on the fly after taking the job in April.”

The Concerns

Injuries

Again, recent reports suggest Payne could be back soon, but the Terps’ first game without him didn’t go great. Maryland found itself in overtime at home Wednesday night with Mount St. Mary’s — KenPom’s 268th-ranked team. Did Payne make that much of a difference, or did the Terps just not adjust effectively? Regardless, a five-point Maryland win felt a lot more like a moral victory for the visiting team.

In Payne’s absence, fellow senior Collin Metcalf slid into the starting lineup against the Mountaineers. His performance didn’t inspire a ton of faith that he can be a reliable stopgap until Payne returns. Despite the start, Metcalf played just 15 minutes and scored no points while collecting 4 rebounds. Senior power forward Elijah Saunders picked up some of the slack in the paint with a 14-point, 5-rebound performance, but it was very evident that Maryland is lacking size and reliability down low with Payne out of the lineup.

Maryland’s 6-foot-10 freshman Aleks Alston also received some run against Mount St. Mary’s, using his 10 minutes to score 3 points and rip down 2 boards. Perhaps he can develop and give the Terps some meaningful minutes, but it’s not going to be easy to replace a senior with a freshman.

Metcalf did start 29 games for Northeastern last year, and averaged 2.4 blocks per game.  When called upon this year, MD is going to need the Senior to provide some type of defensive presence, and rebounding.

You’d like to think the offense as whole would look crisper when Rice is consistently available. The former Pac 12 Rookie of the Year / 1st Team All Pac guard, should be able to help.

The defense hasn’t been good enough yet, and you’d similarly like to think that Washington will be able to make a difference on the perimeter.

Turnovers

The Terps are currently averaging just over 13 turnovers per game. And they haven’t even faced their stiffest competition yet. Winning at this pace while not taking care of the ball is not sustainable.

Maryland ranks 186th in the country in turnover percentage on offense according to KenPom. That’s not going to cut it in Big Ten play, or a against a team like Gonzaga, who the Terps play on November 25 and boast the 3rd-ranked defense in college basketball.

The Big Ten currently has seven teams with a top-30 defense, according to KenPom, and Wisconsin ranks 31st. The Terps play all seven of these elite defenses in their first nine conference games this season. Correcting the turnovers have to be a priority for Williams or some of these games could get ugly.

Again, the numbers here aren’t particularly surprising since Rice has played once, and Washington has yet to play at all.

Shooting/Offensive Rebounding

It’s relatively simple. If you can’t shoot well, you better be able to get some offensive boards or you’re in for a long day as a basketball team.

Per KenPom, Maryland currently ranks 163rd or worse in offensive rebound percentage, 2-point field goal percentage, 3-point field goal percentage, and effective field goal percentage. The Terps have scored many of their points at the free-throw line or in transition off of turnovers they’ve created, which is great, but not always sustainable.

Teams that can’t shoot don’t typically fare well in basketball as the sample size gets larger, and those problems are compounded when you’re unable to collect some of the misses and maintain possession.

Reasons for Hope

Getting Healthier

It seems like a catastrophic Payne injury has been avoided. A player of that caliber avoiding major injury, especially when it looked as bad as it did initially, is always a positive.

It appears Rice could be close to returning from his ankle injury as well. Getting back two key pieces should give Maryland a boost as it enters a more challenging portion of the schedule.

We’ll see if either can suit up for the November 24th game against UNLV, which will be a semi-home affair in Nevada for the Running Rebels and a tough spot for the Terps.

Immediate Opportunity

With great challenges comes great opportunity. That’s how Maryland needs to approach the rest of its schedule, particularly some upcoming games.

The second game of Maryland’s participation in the Players Era Festival in Paradise, Nevada, next week is a matchup with No. 13 Gonzaga. The Bulldogs are no joke, but the Terps are dodging a bullet by not having to play them out in Spokane.

A neutral site should give Maryland a better chance to pull the upset, which presents an opportunity for the first marquee win of the Williams era. It won’t be easy and will require a clean game from the Terps, as Gonzaga owns one of the best defenses in college basketball and will make teams pay for their mistakes with explosive offense at the other end.

But even a closely contested loss there could help build confidence and springboard the Terps into Big Ten play.

Future Looks Bright

While not particularly helpful to this year’s team, a strong recruiting class for next year can make a rebuilding season more tolerable for a coaching staff and fan base.

Williams has always been a solid recruiter, and that hasn’t changed. With the signing of Austin Brown, Kaden House, Adama Tambedou, and Baba Oladotun on November 20th, Maryland currently has the No. 3-ranked recruiting class in the country.

In his brief time at the helm in College Park, Williams has already signed three of Maryland’s top nine highest-ranked recruits in the past 15 years. Not only does the current class look stacked, but it also stands to reason that Williams will consistently bring talent into his program year after year

The post Terps 4-1; Headed To Players Era Festival appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

What I Learned Last Week in the Loss to Washington

1. It is still very hard for this team to close out big games. Maryland led by 17 entering the fourth quarter and seemed in full control. Then Washington scored three straight unanswered touchdowns and blew past the Terps. The defense allowed 24 unanswered points and the offense essentially stalled. This isn’t the first time Maryland has wilted late in games, but it’s the first this year. That game felt like a turning point gone wrong. The script said Maryland should’ve cruised; instead, it laid bare vulnerabilities that have haunted this program in the past.

2. The offense’s balance (or lack thereof) became glaring under pressure. Through three quarters, the passing game looked dangerous. But in the fourth, the ground game fell flat. Maryland logged just 55 rushing yards in that game. That’s unsustainable when you need to chew clock, sustain drives, and take pressure off the QB.

3. Penalties and mental errors are still hurtful. There was a controversial unsportsmanlike conduct penalty (on Dontay Joyner) late in the game that shifted momentum to Washington. Mistakes like that, especially in tight windows, flip momentum. And Maryland can’t afford them in big matchups.

4. The defense remains elite in many stretches—but is vulnerable when fatigue or pressure builds. Before the fourth quarter, Maryland’s defense had largely held Washington in check—no points until midway. But, eventually, Washington cracked the seams. As good as Maryland has been, letting an opponent mount back-to-back touchdown drives is a sign you’ve reached a breaking point.

This Week: What I’m Keying On vs. Nebraska

Maryland now hosts a Nebraska team that’s also 4–1 (1–1 Big Ten) at SECU Stadium, kickoff at 3:30 p.m. on BTN. It’s a big test. Here’s what to watch.

1. Ground game resurrection. Given how one-sided the rushing output was against Washington, it’s vital for Maryland to re-establish a credible run threat. Nebraska’s defense has had mixed results against the run, but, overall, it’s been pretty bad, with the Cornhuskers allowing 155.6 rushing yards per game. So if the Terps can get 100+ yards on the ground, it will force respect and open up play-action for Maryland.

2. Late-game composure & clock management. The late-game meltdown versus Washington is fresh. Maryland must show that it’s learned: take fewer risks on critical downs, manage the clock, stay disciplined in assignments, and avoid penalties. If the Terps are tied or ahead late, this game will test their mental resolve.

3. Pass rush consistency. Maryland’s defense is thriving partly because of its ability to generate pressure up front. If they can make Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola uncomfortable, disrupt timing, and force mistakes, that puts the Cornhuskers in bad spots. The Terps have allowed just 10 first-half points total this season and none in the last three games, showing how stingy they’ve been early.

4. Special teams & field-position. In tight games, special teams yardage and coverage matter. Kickoff and punt returns, coverage units, and penalties could tip a close contest. The matchup with Nebraska has the potential to be a tight one, so these aspects of the game will be all the more vital.

Something Not Getting Enough Attention

We tend to focus on the play of Terps QB Malik Washington, and recently the focus has shifted to the collapse last week against Washington, but here are some things I think are being under-discussed:

Maryland’s first-half defensive dominance is quietly historic. As previously mentioned, through five games, the Terps have allowed just 10 points total in first halves—the fewest by a Maryland team in first halves over five games this century.

Even with a few subpar opponents in there, that’s not fluky. It shows preparation, discipline, and consistency. It’s the kind of defense you need in tight contests. And with the schedule heating up, Maryland can only hope to find itself in some close games with Big Ten blue bloods.

Another under-appreciated factor: Maryland’s defensive backs. The secondary has held up better than many expected, giving pass-rushers room to attack. That kind of strength—keeping big plays down while gashed elsewhere—is oft overlooked until mistakes happen. If they can remain sound and limit explosive plays, it will greatly help the Terps stay in games.

Big Picture Wise: Where I’m At

Where is this team really? After five games, I sit somewhere between optimism tempered by caution because I’ve seen this early-season success before without it leading to much by season’s end.

The positives are real. This is arguably the most complete Maryland defense since it joined the Big Ten. The front seven—with Sidney Stewart, Zaheer Mathis, Daniel Wingate, and Trey Reddick—has torn into opponents, generated sacks, and forced offenses backward.

Throughout non-conference and early Big Ten games, Maryland has shown grit, discipline, and explosive passing offense flashes. Washington is making head-turning throws, extending plays, and showing internal composure—even under duress. Nebraska knows he’s more dangerous than your average freshman.

But the losses of structure that showed up late against the Huskies are my biggest fear. This team can’t beat itself in games it’s supposed to win.

If Maryland fixes its balance, reestablishes a rushing identity, and plays four quarters without lapsing, it can be dangerous. If not, we’ll see more of the same story lines: some strong pieces, but an inability to finish, and “what might have been” narratives.

The schedule is daunting from here. Games on the road, marquee matchups, and stiff defenses await. But this is also a season where Maryland, with 4–1 in hand, has some margin for error—if it doesn’t squander it. This Nebraska game feels like the fulcrum. Win that, and the Terps stay in their own driver’s seat. Lose, the pendulum swings toward a disappointing season.

So where I’m at: cautiously bullish. I believe this is a serious team, capable of competing at a higher level than recent seasons. But belief isn’t enough. Execution, discipline, and heart will decide whether this becomes a breakthrough or another forgettable season for the Terps.

This article is courtesy of Sustain CFO – “Business growth can sink a company. Sustain CFO keeps you financially strong and strategically developing, with chief financial officer services tailored to your business goals.”

The post Maryland Football 4–1: What I Learned, What I’m Keying On, What’s Overlooked, and the Big Picture appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

Maryland’s season-opening victories—39-7 over Florida Atlantic (Aug. 30) and a gritty 20-9 win against Northern Illinois (Sept. 5)—tell us a lot about where this team stands, albeit against lesser competition than the Terps will face later this year.

The NIU Huskies are a middling yet formidable team out of the MAC that kept things close with Maryland early, but the cream rose to the top. It was the second straight impressive performance by the Terps’ defense, and there are some emerging trends on offense. Here’s what I’ve learned so far…

1. Freshman QB Malik Washington isn’t just under center—he’s becoming a leader. In his highly anticipated debut, Washington threw for 258 yards and three second-quarter touchdowns, setting school records for a true freshman starter and guiding Maryland to its 14th straight non-conference opener win. He completed 27 of 43 passes with no interceptions—a remarkable statement of poise from day one.

2. The defense is the backbone of this start. Maryland forced six interceptions against FAU and held them to just seven points. Against NIU, they tightened even more: four sacks, nine tackles for loss, and forcing six punts. Linebacker Daniel Wingate logged a career-high 14 tackles versus NIU; Trey Reddick added 11 with a sack. Wingate was also Maryland’s leading tackler against FAU — a game where he scored on a 20-yard interception return to get things rolling early for the Terps.

3. Red zone issues persist, but special teams and opportunistic defense have picked up the slack. Against NIU, Maryland’s scoring was limited, but so were its penalties, which helped the Terps stay in control throughout. Maryland relied on penalty reduction, a fake-punt stop by special teams, and a clutch 4th-and-5 touchdown pass (Washington to Shaleak Knotts) to seal it. Kicker Sean O’Hair has also been decent, going 5-for-6 on field goals and 6-for-6 on PATs to start the year.

4. Transfers in the secondary are already making an impact. In the opening two games, the improved performance from the defensive backfield has stood out—bolstering pass defense, limiting big plays, and giving the front seven more freedom to attack. Dontay Joyner has been targeted eight times but has only allowed four completions, and he recorded an interception against FAU. Jamare Glasker has been just as impressive, allowing just one catch on six targets. However, he left the NIU game early with an injury.

What I’m Keying On This Week

Looking ahead to Week 3, the Terps host Towson (2-0) at SECU Stadium, with kickoff set for Saturday, Sept. 13 at noon on Peacock.

Here’s what to watch:

1. Maintain offensive rhythm. Against FAU, the Terps looked explosive. Against NIU, they were stifled. How will the offense strike a balance—capitalizing on chunk plays while avoiding red zone traffic jams?

2. Secondary to continue carrying the load. If the DBs can remain disciplined, they’ll keep opponents in check. Hopefully, Glasker will be OK and play. But if not, the rest of Maryland’s defense will have to step up and make sure they don’t allow an inferior team to build momentum with big passing plays.

3. Conquering the red zone. The growth area is clear: the Terps need more touchdowns when inside the 20. Their defense may carry them now, but that won’t hold against stronger, upcoming opponents.

4. Turnovers, discipline, and field position. Early-season penalties came down to a mere three against NIU after an astonishing 14 against FAU. Minimizing mistakes, winning the turnover battle, and playing smart field-position football will determine whether the Terps roll or find themselves in a closer game than they should against an in-state foe.

Something Not Getting Enough Attention

Amid all the spotlight on Washington and the defense, two quietly huge storylines deserve more love:

1. Non-conference defensive dominance. Through two games, Maryland has allowed just 16 total points—an average of 8 per game. That’s the fewest allowed through the first two games since 2001. That consistency—even against different styles (FAU’s passing, NIU’s run grind)—signals a defense built for every situation.

2. Do the Terps have a run game? There were high hopes for Nolan Ray in College Park this season, but he’s yet to get going through Maryland’s first two games. The Terps’ run, in general, has been absent. Averaging just 3.4 yards per carry so far as a team, this is Maryland’s last chance to get its ground game going before a much tougher Big Ten schedule begins.

Big-Picture Wise: Where I’m At

Here’s how I size up this 2-0 start and where it could lead:

Momentum and belief are high. A 2–0 start puts the Terps in a good place mentally. They should have another chance to build upon that momentum this week, and it’d be nice if they could do so in the questionable areas, like the red zone and overall run game.

Defense is setting the tone. Maryland’s defense has been dominant and resilient so far this season. No reason that shouldn’t continue this week against Towson. Keeping that side of the ball strong will help the Terps win sloppy or tight games throughout the year.

Offense has shown flashes—but needs refinement. Washington’s upside is obvious, and already he’s making highlight plays. But the ceiling is higher if they can improve red zone efficiency and diversify their attack—get Nolan Ray and the ground game more involved, while letting Dorian Fleming, Knotts, and the rest of the receiving corps stretch the field.

Simply put, this Maryland team feels different. If the defense holds, special teams continue to shine, and Washington keeps pushing the offense forward—this team is in position to surprise. Even after a rough 2024, they may be reshaping the narrative this year.

This article is courtesy of Bath Dr – “Bath Doctor is the Baltimore area expert in fast, affordable, beautiful bathroom renovations, including one day shower transformations, and commercial, handicap, and senior bathroom remodeling.”

The post Maryland Football 2–0: What I Learned, What I’m Keying On, What’s Overlooked, and the Big Picture appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

Big Ten Ranking

Regarding preseason Big Ten rankings, Maryland lands near the bottom of most lists. Thanks to massive roster turnover, uncertainty at key positions, and several new coaches on the staff, many believe this season could be tough sledding for the Terps.

In his seventh season at the helm in College Park, head coach Mike Locksley has brought in two new coordinators — Pep Hamilton on the offensive side of the ball, and Ted Monachino to lead the defense. Both bring NFL pedigree and fresh schemes to Maryland, but it makes sense for analysts to temper their expectations until we see how the pieces come together.

A few of the following storylines also help explain the consensus “wait-and-see approach” to Maryland football this year.

Key Storylines & Questions

1. QB Battle

This appears to be coming down to a competition between true freshman Malik Washington and UCLA transfer Justytn Martin. Martin earned MVP honors at the Spring Game, but Washington has been turning heads since his arrival on campus. The blue-chip recruit had a strong spring and is clearly Maryland’s signal caller of the future. The question is whether that future will start Week 1 against Florida Atlantic or if they’ll bring the frosh along gradually. Martin is making a strong case for himself, too. He has limited college experience, but still more than Washington, which could give him a slight edge. Depending on where you read or listen, some outlets favor Martin in this QB battle while others sense Washington will win out.

2. Turnover in the trenches

Maryland was hit hard in the transfer portal this season, and nowhere felt it more than the trenches. Eleven of the total 51 offseason departures were from the offensive line room (nine through the transfer portal). And while the quantity wasn’t as high in terms of departures on the defensive line, the quality that was lost makes for equivalent challenges. Jordan Phillips, Tommy Akingbesote, Quashon Fuller, and Taisze Johnson were all significant contributors last season and are no longer in College Park. It remains to be seen who will fill these voids on the defensive line. Of the two, the offensive line is likely of greater concern because it will be blocking for both an inexperienced quarterback and an inexperienced running back, regardless of how the depth chart shakes out.

3. Fresh talent at WR

Maryland has had a lot of talented pass catchers come through campus in recent years. This year’s crop has plenty of upside, but just as much uncertainty. The Terps have several wide receivers returning from last season, but the name on everyone’s mind is Oklahoma transfer Jalil Farooq. A former four-star recruit, Farooq was a Big 12 honorable mention in 2023 and has what it takes to become this team’s go-to guy. Shaleak Knotts, Kaleb Webb, Zymear Smith, and Octavian Smith have four-star pedigrees, too. This has the potential to be a deep and talented receiving corps.

4. Monachino has his work cut out for him

Besides the offensive line, the defense as a whole — particularly the secondary — suffered the most attrition in the offseason. Maryland’s defensive backs were not very good last year so it could end up being addition by subtraction, but 11 departures (eight through the transfer portal) is still a lot for any team to overcome. Matched with a defensive line with virtually no experience and an inconsistent linebacker unit, Monachino has a tall task on his hands. We’ll find out quickly if more than 15 years of coaching experience in the NFL can mask some of the growing pains this side of the ball is bound to have this season.

5. Locksley on the hot seat?

After a 4-8 season and a roster exodus, Locksley is running out of lifelines in College Park. It’s easy to make excuses for another down year when there is so much change occurring, but it feels like Maryland is closer to where it started when Locksley arrived than it is to the level Locks, the Athletic Department, and fans envisioned. If Locksley can’t get this team to a bowl for a second consecutive year, the conversation about his future in College Park has to be had.

Reasonable expectations

Most outlets project Maryland to have around a 4-8 season. A tough schedule and many question marks make that a fair assessment. However, some believe the Terps can sneak into a 6-6, bowl-eligible record if the talent comes together sooner rather than later. A winning season or an 8-4 record seems a bit too lofty for this bunch. But if Washington is a phenom and clicks right away, who knows what could happen? It would seem that Maryland scoring a ton of points would be its best way to win games this year, as the defense lacks firepower.

How do they get there?

The good news for the Terps is that the season begins with a favorable schedule: FAU, Northern Illinois, and Towson all offer opportunities to build early momentum. Another aspect that favors Maryland is its home Big Ten schedule, which doesn’t include Ohio State, Oregon, or Penn State. While playing those teams on the road won’t be fun, let’s get the more middling teams in College Park and see if the Terps can sneak out a few more wins that way.

If Locksley & Co. can identify their quarterback early, that player meshes well with Hamilton’s offense, and the offensive line progresses quickly, it will all go a long way in this team’s success. If the defense can rally behind the doubt and play fundamentally sound, solid defense that doesn’t shoot itself in the foot with penalties and big plays allowed, Maryland could find itself in more games this year than many anticipate.

And, as always, health is key. If the key transfers and young contributors can all stay healthy for most of the season, you’ll have a team that can surpass expectations.

This is a foundational season for Maryland. It’s about transitioning from the post‑Locksley rebuild into a more competitive team. If the quarterback situation stabilizes, key transfers like Farooq perform, and both OL and D‑line show signs of life, a bowl invite becomes plausible. Anything beyond that sets the stage for bigger expectations in 2026–27.

The post Questions For Terps Football As The 2025 Season Nears appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

After the most successful season in the short-lived Kevin Willard era, in which the Terps reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016, Maryland watched Willard bail for Villanova and its entire starting five depart via graduation, the NBA Draft, or the transfer portal. But it didn’t take the Terps long to hit the reset button and begin building for the 2025-26 season behind new head coach, Buzz Williams.

Williams has a track record of success from his time at Marquette, Virginia Tech, and Texas A&M. He has a substantial rebuild on his hands, but early returns indicate he’s the right man for the job. It’s a clean slate for Williams, which adds to the sense of urgency this offseason, but it also gives him autonomy to build a roster that fits his coaching style.

Starting in April, Williams led an aggressive and swift attack on the recruiting landscape and transfer portal. Between the 2025 recruiting class and the transfer portal, the Terps have already added 13 new players to their roster:

Transfers from Texas A&M (where Williams coached last year):

● Pharrel Payne: Three years of college experience between Minnesota and Texas A&M. Payne is a 6′9″ forward/center who adds shot‑blocking and interior size to Maryland’s roster after averaging 10.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG for the Aggies last season.

● Solomon Washington: Playing for the Aggies for the past three seasons, Washington started 23 games for Williams last year. He’s a defensive-minded 6′7″ forward/wing who has averaged nearly a block and a steal per game for his career.

● Andre Mills: A 6’4” combo guard who was a redshirt freshman last season for the Aggies, Mills was a Top 100 recruit entering college, per 247Sports.

● George Turkson Jr.: A 6′7″ wing and a former four-star recruit, Turkson also redshirted for the Aggies as a freshman last season.

Transfers from Other Programs:

● Myles Rice: A 6’3” point guard from Indiana, who brings points and poise. His scoring ability and natural leadership helped him earn Pac‑12 Freshman of the Year honors while playing for Washington State in 2022. Rice started 25 games for the Hoosiers last season and averaged 10.1 PPG, 2.8 RPG, and 2.8 APG.

● David Coit: A former Kansas guard who can get buckets, even at 5’11”. Coit averaged 20.8 PPG two seasons ago at Northern Illinois and 15.5 PPG the season before. He started three games for the Jayhawks last season and received solid coaching and high-major program experience while in Lawrence.

● Isaiah Watts: Former Washington State guard who has averaged 35.8% from three in his two-year collegiate career. The 6’3” shooter also showed last season that he could track down some missed shots, averaging 3.7 RPG.

● Collin Metcalf: A 6’9” shot-blocking center from Northeastern, who ranked top 10 nationally in blocks (2.4 BPG) last season. Like Rice and Coit, he already has three years of college experience under his belt.

● Rakease Passmore: A 6’5 guard, from Kansas. Will be a Sophomore after averaging just 5 minutes a game in 23 games as a Jayhawk. Was a 4 star, Top 50 recruit before joining KU.

● Elijah Saunders: A 6’8” forward who has 47 starts in his college career. He brings size and experience to Maryland’s frontcourt, having held down the paint at Virginia and San Diego State before College Park.

2025 Freshman Class

● Darius Adams: A five-star combo guard from La Lumiere School in Indiana, Adams is a McDonald’s All‑American and 247Sports Composite #23-ranked recruit in the 2025 class. At 6’5”, Adams has ideal size and athleticism for his position.

● Aleks Alston: A 6′9″ forward from Chicago, interior depth and toughness is what Alston can bring to the table right away.

● Jaziah Harper: A 6′7″ wing with a 7-foot wingspan. Harper is from Don Bosco Prep in Indiana and was an unranked recruit commit, but he has interesting upside and versatility on the court.

● Guillermo Del Pino: A 6’5 International from Spain. All-Star at the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders Camp in February 2024.  MVP of the FIBA Under-16 European Championship team in 2023.

● Nick Blake: Son of Terps legend Steve Blake and a 6′2″ guard from Orlando. Blake is a shooter who saw nearly 76% of his shots in high school come from beyond the arc.

These additions expand the scholarship count to 13: 10 transfers and 3 freshmen.

2025-26 Season Outlook

Some exciting new guards and a slew of Texas A&M additions who have familiarity with Williams have some college hoops experts bullish on Maryland in their early rankings. CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein already placed the Terps at No. 32 nationally in his rankings.

Somewhere between Top 25 and the tournament bubble seems like a reasonable expectation for Williams’ first year in College Park. He has built stability already by bringing several assistants and players over with him from A&M. That continuity and perhaps some star power from a five-star guard could make the Terps an interesting team to follow next season.

Integrating a roster of transfers and freshmen while acclimating to a new setting will be no easy task for Williams, but he’ll have a better chance of finding success the quicker he can identify the right starting five.

Rothstein has a projected starting five of Rice, Watts, Washington, Saunders, and Payne. Coit figures to get plenty of time, with the Coaching staff already saying as much. Perhaps Adams emerges at some point. Watts averaged double figures for Washington State.  Would think him, and Metcalf are regular parts of the rotation.

There is talent and depth here. Practices should be tough, and minutes will be earned.

Regardless of how the starting five shakes out, Williams appears to have strong depth in both the backcourt and frontcourt to choose from, and he’ll need to use as many capable players as possible to make it through what is sure to be a grueling Big Ten schedule.

Williams’ first offseason in College Park marks one of the boldest rebuilds in college basketball. The incoming talent includes scoring, defense, shooting, and experience, so there’s a lot to be excited about. But time will tell if the pieces fit.

What’s clear is that the 2025–26 Terps will look and feel nothing like the 2024–25 Sweet 16 squad. With size, depth, and fresh leadership, the program enters a new era—one built on Buzz Williams’ blueprint for transformation, continuity, and competitiveness.

The post New Coach, Offseason Additions Have Maryland Fans Buzzing appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.

 After defeating Ohio State on Wednesday night, Iowa advances to the next round of the tournament, which means a meeting with Illinois on Thursday evening. The Terps will play the winner between the Hawkeyes and Fighting Illini on Friday in the quarterfinals. 

 Let’s take a closer look at both of Maryland’s potential first opponents and how the Terps are trending entering the conference tournament.  

Iowa 

Not a very good team this year, as its 15 seed in the conference tournament would suggest, Iowa limped across the regular season finish line losing five of its last seven. But Fran McCaffery’s team caught lightning in a bottle on Wednesday and pulled off the upset over the 10th-seeded Buckeyes.  

A fast-paced team, per usual, Iowa’s offense isn’t typically its issue. It’s the 162nd-ranked defense, per KenPom, that kills the Hawkeyes. Starting just one or two seniors depending on the lineup, this is not McCaffery’s most experienced or talented team. But Iowa has some size and can run the floor with anyone, so upsets can happen when games turn into track meets.  

Terps fans will fondly remember the last meeting with the Hawkeyes less than a month ago in College Park. Iowa threw a haymaker in the first half, taking a 52-47 lead into halftime. But Maryland pieced the Hawkeyes up for the final 20 minutes and left with a 101-75 blowout victory. 

Led by point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s 26 points and 7 assists, all five Maryland starters scored in double figures in the last meeting with Iowa — not a rare feat for the Terps this season. Sixth-man Pryce Sandfort led the Hawkeyes in scoring with 15 points off the bench.  

Illinois 

Illinois is another team Maryland has already beaten this season — just a few weeks earlier. The 91-70 victory in Champaign is arguably the Terps’ best road win of the season, and it was sparked by an incredible game by Maryland’s frontcourt.  

Julian Reese led all scorers with 27 points and ripped down 17 rebounds to go with 3 blocks. He was a beast that night and it’s hard to beat Maryland when he plays like that. Big Ten Freshman of the Year Derik Queen wasn’t far behind with 25 points. Queen also chipped in 6 rebounds and 3 steals.  

Illinois’ star freshman Kasparas Jakucionis led his team with 21 points against Maryland but the Terps forced him into committing 7 turnovers, which I’m sure Kevin Willard would gladly take again. 

Jakucionis has hit a freshman wall lately, failing to score more than 17 points in six straight games. The Fighting Illini are 3-3 in that span but have won their last three entering the Big Ten Tournament. One of those wins was against Iowa — their next opponent. That game will feature two fast-paced teams, which could be fun, but their meeting less than three weeks ago was a 20-point blowout in favor of Brad Underwood’s team. 

Maryland’s recent form 

Trending well, the Terps have won seven of their last eight and 13 of 16 dating back to January 10th. They’re undoubtedly one of the hottest teams in college basketball, let alone the Big Ten. With all seven losses this season coming by less than four points on average, Maryland finds itself in every game because of its scrappy nature and strong starting five.  

Luckily for the Terps, they’re one of the other Big Ten teams that likes to get out and run, which might speak to the success they’ve already seen this year against both of their potential next opponents. 

Queen is the conference’s most dominant freshman and he has shown no signs of slowing up. The combination of him and Reese down low is more than most teams can handle. The three starting guards — Gillespie, Rodney Rice, and Selton Miguel — can all take over a game at any given time, as well, and have throughout the season.  

It’s certainly a “pick your poison” scenario when trying to stop the Terps and, in a tournament format, that can be an X factor as opposing teams struggle to prepare on the fly.  

But as balanced as Maryland’s offensive attack has been between its starters, the defense has been the Terps’ calling card throughout this impressive season. Ranking 9th nationally in defensive efficiency according to KenPom, the Terps smother teams. 

If Maryland makes it past its first Big Ten Conference Tournament game, it will play whoever comes out of the quadrant that contains No. 14 seed USC, No. 11 seed Rutgers, No. 6 seed Purdue, and No. 3 seed Michigan in the semifinals on Saturday. The tournament final is Sunday at 3:30 p.m. before the NCAA Tournament Bracket Selection Show. Michigan State is the No. 1 seed and UCLA is the No. 4 seed on the other side of the bracket. No. 5 seed Wisconsin is a dark horse to watch out for in the top half of the bracket. 

The post Terps Ready To Compete For Big Ten Crown In Indy appeared first on Baltimore Sports and Life.