Maryland’s football coach, Mike Locksley, will continue leading the team in 2026. Athletic director Jim Smith revealed plans to boost financial support for the program, aiming to make the Terps more competitive in the Big Ten.
Locksley is currently in his eighth season with a record of 4-6, facing a tough stretch with six consecutive losses. Last season, the Terps ended with a 4-8 record after three straight bowl game victories, the longest such streak in school history.
Smith emphasized the importance of keeping talented players, especially a promising freshman class, as part of their strategy. He noted that Maryland needs to enhance its financial support to compete effectively with top teams in their conference. “We are working to strengthen our NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) resources for 2026 and beyond,” he shared with ESPN.
With a significant increase in available NIL funds, Maryland aims to improve its roster through recruiting and the transfer portal. Locksley, who has a career record at the school of 37-47, faced a hefty $13 million buyout if fired, making the decision to retain him financially savvy.
Among the young talent on the roster are freshman quarterback Malik Washington, who has impressively thrown for 13 touchdowns and rushed for four, and dynamic defensive ends Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis, who have been key contributors this season.
Smith remains hopeful about the future: “We are excited about our young talent and recruiting efforts.” Recent statistics suggest that teams investing in NIL deals are seeing a marked improvement in performance, highlighting the connection between financial backing and success on the field. For instance, a study indicated that schools increasing NIL investments often attract higher-ranked recruits.
Maryland started strong this season with a 4-0 record, including a notable win against Wisconsin, but has since struggled. The future includes a promising schedule with seven home games in 2026, featuring matchups against notable opponents like Virginia Tech and UConn.
In comparison, just across the conference, Wisconsin is also re-evaluating its coaching situation, reflecting the competitive pressures in college football today. Both teams are navigating challenging seasons, but retaining experienced coaches like Locksley could be a critical step toward building for success in the future.
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