BY: KENNY VARNER
Maryland Football: A Bleak Outlook for 2025
The Maryland Terrapins’ 2024 season fell apart in dramatic fashion, as they lost seven of their final eight games to finish with a disappointing 4-8 record. Even more troubling than the record itself was how uncompetitive the team looked during that stretch—only twice in those seven losses did they stay within two touchdowns. It wasn’t just bad luck. It was a complete unraveling. And with only four total starters returning—three on offense and just one on defense—the outlook for 2025 is grim. Short of a miracle, this does not look like a team that will be bowling come December.
At quarterback, Maryland is hoping someone steps up, but it’s unclear who that might be. Justyn Martin transfers in from UCLA with little buzz, having completed just 24 passes across five appearances with the Bruins. He may be the frontrunner by default, but don’t be surprised if freshman Malik Washington, a promising four-star recruit, sees the field early and often. Regardless of who starts, expectations are low.
The offensive line returns just two starters—right guard Amelio “Aliou” and right tackle Alan Herron. The lack of depth is concerning, although the staff hopes Rahtrel Perry, a transfer from Central Connecticut State, can contribute at tackle. In the backfield, Maryland lost leading rusher Roman Hemby to the transfer portal (now at Indiana), leaving Nolan Ray as the top returning option. Ray did average 5.0 yards per carry, but that came on limited touches (374 yards total).
At receiver, Octavian Smith Jr. is the only returning starter after hauling in 30 passes for 315 yards last season. Maryland will need instant impact from transfers Kaleb Webb (Tennessee) and Jalil Farooq (Oklahoma), particularly Farooq, who has the speed to stretch the field and open up the offense. But without a proven quarterback or stable offensive line, it may not matter.
On defense, things look even worse. The Terps had the worst scoring defense in the Big Ten last year, giving up over 30 points per game and ranking dead last in sacks with just 14. This season, they return just one starter—safety Jalen Huskey. The defensive line is full of question marks. Coaches are hoping for a breakout from Neeo Avery, while Trey Reddick has turned some heads in camp as a potential pass-rusher. Four-star freshman Zahir Mathis is expected to see immediate playing time off the edge.
The linebacking corps lacks proven experience, though Michael Harris and Daniel Wingate are names to watch. In the secondary, Huskey will be joined by transfer additions Dontay Joyner (Arkansas State) and Jamare Glasker (Wake Forest), along with veteran Lavian Scruggs, who has seen some playing time at safety.
The 2025 schedule offers a glimmer of hope, as Maryland avoids Big Ten powerhouses Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, and even Iowa. The season opens with three winnable games: Florida Atlantic, Northern Illinois, and Towson. But with Maryland’s current roster, nothing can be taken for granted. Even those early matchups present real challenges.
In Big Ten play, every win will feel like an upset. The Terrapins are simply overmatched in most areas, lacking both experience and depth. It’s hard to see a path to six wins, and even a four- or five-win campaign might represent this team’s ceiling. For Maryland fans, 2025 is shaping up to be a long, tough season.