Michael Locksley will continue as head coach of the Maryland Terrapins for the 2026 season, despite the team’s current struggles. This decision was confirmed by Athletic Director Jim Smith, who released a letter on Sunday stating that Locksley deserves the full support of the university and its athletic department. “To continue building on this foundation, Coach Locksley needs — and deserves — the full support of our department, our university, and all of Terp Nation,” Smith wrote.
This announcement follows Maryland’s sixth consecutive loss, a disappointing 24-6 defeat against Illinois on Saturday, which leaves the team with a record of 4-6 overall and 1-6 in the Big Ten. After starting the season with four wins, the Terps have faced a series of narrow defeats and significant losses, raising questions about Locksley’s future as head coach and the financial implications of a potential dismissal, which could cost nearly $13.5 million.
Locksley did not comment directly on his job security following the recent game but emphasized his commitment to the team, stating that they will continue to fight for their remaining games. “We’ll keep pouring everything we have into this team,” he said. “There’s still a lot of fight. We’re still playing for a lot.”
Offensive Struggles Continue
Maryland’s offensive challenges were evident during the game against Illinois, particularly in the red zone. The Terps failed to score touchdowns on both of their trips inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. The only points came from a 29-yard field goal by redshirt freshman kicker Sean O’Haire on their opening drive. The team has now gone ten attempts without scoring a red zone touchdown since October 18 against UCLA, ranking last in the Big Ten with a touchdown rate of just 35.5%.
Locksley acknowledged that capitalizing on scoring opportunities is crucial for the team’s success. “They finished their long drives with touchdowns, and we didn’t score enough touchdowns,” he said.
Strategic Decisions Under Scrutiny
As the team seeks to secure two wins in their final three games to become bowl eligible, some decisions during Saturday’s game have raised eyebrows. Trailing 21-6 in the third quarter, Maryland opted to punt on a fourth-and-5 at their own 40-yard line, a move that many viewed as overly conservative. The Illinois offense then controlled the clock, further diminishing Maryland’s chances of mounting a comeback.
Locksley defended the decision to punt, citing a belief in the defense’s ability to stop Illinois and regain possession. “I thought the way we played defense the last drive, if we could just get a stop to change the field position, it shortens our drive there for the quarterback,” he explained.
Despite the setbacks, freshman quarterback Malik Washington remains a focal point for the team. Following a standout performance the previous week, Washington struggled against Illinois, recording only six rushing yards on four carries. He completed 25 of 46 passes for 238 yards but was unable to find the end zone. Washington expressed disappointment in his performance, stating, “I had some opportunities to make plays that I missed.”
Locksley refrained from evaluating Washington’s performance until he has the chance to review the game film. He acknowledged that the entire team, including coaches, must improve to achieve better results moving forward.
While the challenges facing Maryland football are significant, the commitment from Athletic Director Jim Smith and the university provides a foundation for potential growth. As the Terps prepare for their next match against No. 18 Michigan, the team’s resolve and ability to adapt will be critical in overcoming their current difficulties.
