Maryland football coach Michael Locksley has received assurance of his position for the upcoming season despite the team’s ongoing struggles. Athletic director Jim Smith announced on Sunday that Locksley will return to lead the Terrapins in 2026, emphasizing the need for continued support from the university and fans. This announcement follows a disappointing 24-6 loss to Illinois, marking the team’s sixth consecutive defeat.
In his letter to the community, Smith stated, “To continue building on this foundation, Coach Locksley needs — and deserves — the full support of our department, our university, and all of Terp Nation.” He also highlighted efforts to enhance the team’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) support and improve recruiting strategies.
Maryland’s record now stands at 4-6, with a troubling 1-6 in the Big Ten. After starting the season with four victories, the team has struggled, losing close games to Washington, Nebraska, and UCLA, before suffering significant defeats to No. 2 Indiana, Rutgers, and Illinois. With each loss, speculation regarding Locksley’s future intensified, particularly concerning a potential buyout of nearly $13.5 million. Smith’s confirmation likely alleviates some of this tension for the time being.
Locksley refrained from discussing his job security after the game, instead focusing on the upcoming challenge against No. 18 Michigan. He expressed determination, saying, “We’ll keep pouring everything we have into this team. There’s no quit in this team… We’re in what we consider playoff football now.” The Terps aim to secure two wins in their remaining games to achieve bowl eligibility for the fourth time in five years.
Challenges in the Red Zone
The Maryland offense continues to struggle significantly in the red zone. In their recent game against Illinois, the Terps failed to score touchdowns on two occasions inside the 20-yard line, settling for a field goal instead. This marks a concerning trend, as the team has not achieved a touchdown in the red zone since October 18, during a narrow loss to UCLA. The Terps currently have the lowest touchdown rate in the Big Ten, with a mere 35.5% success rate and only 11 touchdowns to their name.
Locksley acknowledged that capitalizing on scoring opportunities is crucial. “They finished their long drives with touchdowns, and we didn’t score enough touchdowns,” he noted. “Sometimes it’s just that simple. We’ve just got to find ways to end drives with touchdowns.”
Strategic Decisions Under Scrutiny
Facing a critical juncture in the season, many observers questioned the Terps’ conservative approach during the game. With the team trailing 21-6 early in the second half, opportunities to take risks were present. Instead, Maryland opted to punt on fourth-and-5 at their own 40-yard line, allowing Illinois to maintain control of the game.
Locksley defended the decision to punt, hoping for a defensive stop to regain momentum. “I thought the way we played defense the last drive… if we could just get a stop to change the field position,” he explained. However, Illinois continued to dominate, running out the clock and sealing Maryland’s fate.
Freshman quarterback Malik Washington had a challenging outing against Illinois after a standout performance the previous week. Limited to just 6 yards on four carries, he completed 25 of 46 passes for 238 yards but failed to score a touchdown. Washington reflected on his performance, acknowledging missed opportunities and the need for improvement as he navigates his first season in the Big Ten.
As Maryland prepares for the upcoming games, the focus remains on overcoming their current challenges and securing the necessary wins for bowl eligibility. The support from the university and fans will be essential as the team strives to end its losing streak and build a foundation for the future.
