Three Key Maryland Players Michigan Must Account For Saturday Afternoon In College Park

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Michigan will face Maryland in College Park for their next Big Ten matchup on November 22, 2025. While the Terrapins are in a rebuild year after a significant talent drain, their roster still possesses individuals with the potential to disrupt Michigan's game plan, especially given the game's proximity to "The Game" against Ohio State, which could lead to a trap-game scenario for the Wolverines.

Here are three Maryland players Michigan needs to keep an eye on:

1. Malik Washington, True Freshman Quarterback

Maryland's offense in 2025 has been a tale of transition, with a true freshman likely at the helm. Malik Washington, a highly touted dual-threat quarterback recruit, has taken the reins and leads the team with 2,294 passing yards this season as of November 16.

Michigan's defense must contain Washington's mobility. Past scouting reports on mobile Maryland quarterbacks emphasize the importance of maintaining rush lanes and collapsing the pocket to neutralize their playmaking ability. While Washington's completion percentage is hurt by a high rate of drops, he is still effective at escaping pressure and keeping plays alive. The Wolverines' athletic linebackers and edge rushers like Jaishawn Barham and Derrick Moore will be key in limiting his rushing yards and preventing him from extending plays to find open receivers downfield.

SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) on XMalik Washington is special 🐢

2. Jalil Farooq, Wide Receiver

With the departure of several top receiving threats from last season, the Terrapins have looked to new talent, including senior transfer Jalil Farooq from Oklahoma. Farooq is a veteran deep threat who has been a key target, helping compensate for a largely inexperienced receiving corp.

Michigan's secondary, featuring players like Jalen Huskey (who transferred from Bowling Green) and Dontay Joyner (a Wake Forest transfer), must be ready for vertical routes. Farooq’s experience and ability to stretch the field will test the Wolverines' defensive backs, requiring tight coverage to prevent explosive plays. His presence, alongside fellow newcomer Kaleb Webb, means Michigan cannot afford any lapses in the secondary despite the Terrapins' overall youth on offense.

Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) on XJalil Farooq with the TD and @TerpsFootball ties it up 👀

📺: FS1

3. Jalen Huskey, Safety

On the defensive side, junior safety Jalen Huskey is a standout and a key returning starter for the Terrapins. A first-team All-MAC honoree as a freshman at Bowling Green, Huskey recorded 45 tackles and three interceptions last season. He has been selected to the Shrine Bowl 1000 watchlist for the 2026 NFL Draft class, highlighting his potential.

Michigan's offense, led by true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood and a strong running game featuring mostly Jordan Marshall due to Justice Haynes injury, needs to be aware of Huskey's ball-hawking skills and sound tackling. Huskey's ability to read plays and be in the right position makes him a threat to create turnovers. Underwood will need to be careful with his reads and avoid forcing throws into Huskey's coverage area to prevent critical mistakes. Michigan's offensive line will also need to account for Huskey if he is deployed in a hybrid role or blitzes, as his versatility allows him to impact various parts of the field.  

NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) on XJalen Huskey is my typa safety prospect

If Michigan can slow down these three key players Saturday afternoon in College Park, their chances of victory will increase immensely.  The Terrapins are desperate for a win, just like Northwestern was, just like Purdue was.  The Wolverines are going to get Maryland’s best shot as they are in a everything to gain, and nothing to lose mentality. 

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