Rutgers Football 2026 Opponent Preview: Maryland

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The Maryland matchup will take place in the middle of the season this fall. These two rivals will look to write another chapter here. For Rutgers, this is one of the most important games on the schedule if the team wants to get to six wins.

2026 Maryland Football at a Glance

Name: Maryland Terrapins
Stadium: SECU Stadium (Cap. 51,802)
Head Coach: Mike Locksley
Offensive Coordinator: Clint Trickett
Defensive Coordinator: Ted Monachino
2025: 4-8, 1-8 in Big Ten

2025 Maryland Season-In-Review

Key Returners: Malik Washington, QB; Zahir Mathis, DE; Daniel Wingate, LB; Sidney Steward, DB
Transfer Additions: Preston Howard, TE (Auburn); Cardell Williams, QB (Sacramento State); Jayvon Parker, DL (Washington); Armon Parker, DL (Washington); Chris Durr Jr., WR (Wyoming); Terrez Worthy, RB (Temple)
Incoming Class: Zion Elee, DE; Darrell Carey, DB; Cam Brickle II, DL; Sean Johnson, DB; Javonte Williams, TE; JaMarcus Whyce, DL; Josiah Teasley, WR; Kaden Carter, LB; Jayden Kitchens, WR
Key Losses: Nolan Ray, RB; Devin Kargman, QB, Josiah McLaurin, WR; Jahmari Powell-Wonson, WR; Leon Haughton Jr., TE; Aliou Bah, OL; Sedrick Smith, DL; Dimitry Nicolas, DL; Dillan Fontus, DL; Neeo Avery, LB; Kevyn Humes, DB; Michael Harris, LB; Keyshawn Flowers, LB

Strengths

Malik Washington is back for year two. He was effective in 2025, leading the Big Ten with 473 pass attempts. It would not be surprising to see that number rise even more. He threw for 2,963 yards and 17 touchdowns with nine interceptions.

The Terps worked to five Washington more weapons to work with. Along with tight end Dorian Fleming returning, Maryland brought in receivers Chris Durr and Na’eem Abdul-Rahim on the outside.

Last year, Maryland got the ball out quick and this allowed Washington to avoid hits. The offensive line allowed just nine sacks last year and returns three starters in Rahtrel Perry, Isaiah Wright, and Michael Hershey.

The defense needs to improve in multiple areas. One strength this season might be the pass rushers. Both Sidney Stewart and Zahin Mathis are back after combining for 13 sacks last season. The defense also added Zion Elee, who was the No. 2 player in the nation and the Terps’ highest-rated recruit of all-time.

Weaknesses

The passing game had some juice but the run game struggled all season. Dejuan Williams led the team with just 501 rushing yards last season. The team did not commit to the run last season. This could be in part because the defense allowed points very early in games. But either way, Clint Trickett will likely look to increase the impact on the ground.

It sounds simple but putting points on the board was a weakness. Maryland scored over 20 points just five times last season with two of them coming against Florida Atlantic and Towson. Whether it is the pass game or a revitalized run game, the Terps need to score points.

Defensively, weaknesses were all over the field. The team allowed 43% on third downs. The pass defense allowed a high completion percentage and it came away with just two fubmle recoveries, which was near the bottom of the nation.

Rutgers Football Schedule

Sept. 3: vs. UMass
Sept. 11: at Boston College
Sept. 19: vs. USC
Sept. 25: vs. Howard
Oct. 3: vs. Indiana
Oct. 17: at Maryland
Oct. 24: at Northwestern
Oct. 31: vs. Michigan
Nov. 7: at Wisconsin
Nov. 14: vs. Nebraska
Nov. 21: at Penn State
Nov. 28: vs. Michigan State

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