Two extremes are true: that is one of the best roster Maryland soccer has assembled in a really very long time, but it surely should cope with what appears just like the deepest convention within the sport.
So with the season opener only one week away, we might wish to set the document straight on what our private expectations are for the Terps this fall.
Is a thirteenth recreation in our crystal balls? And who do we expect will stand out essentially the most on the journey to attempt to get there? Learn on to seek out out.
Mike Ostrowski
- Signature Win: Virginia Tech
- Crew MVP: Malik Washington
Just a few weeks in the past, I’d have been all aboard the 7-5 hype practice, however with the Terps already struggling main losses in the secondary and in the cross rush, my confidence within the squad pulling off a couple of upset has dropped considerably.
As an alternative, I see a squad that’s constructed to as soon as once more have a powerful begin – highlighted by taking down a vastly overrated Virginia Tech group in Week 3 – earlier than fading down the stretch.
Whereas I do not forsee James Franklin having fairly as tough a begin with VT as, say, Invoice Belichick in Chapel Hill, the revamped Hokies are in a way more delicate place than is extensively let on. Having this check early within the season and in primetime is a big alternative for the Terrapins, and one they cannot afford to waste on their path again to bowl rivalry.
From that time, the 3-0 Terps would then take three of the 4 contests in opposition to UCLA, Rutgers, Wisconsin, and Purdue. As soon as once more, the arm of Malik Washington will maintain them in most video games, however an absence of depth within the secondary shall be exploited by the Huge Ten’s different cross heavy offenses.
Solely six wins might really feel like a disappointment – and in all honesty, it in all probability is – however it can nonetheless be sufficient to earn Maryland followers a visit again to the Bronx, the place, identical to in 2021, they may have an opportunity to face one other outdated ACC foe: the Pitt Panthers.
Michael Cavallo
File: 7-5 (4-5 Huge Ten)
Signature Win: UCLA
Crew MVP: Malik Washington
Bowl: Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Maryland’s 2026 path hinges on three defining components, a nonconference schedule they need to realistically navigate, two pivotal Huge Ten toss‑up video games in opposition to UCLA and Nebraska that can form their trajectory, and a punishing November stretch that has repeatedly derailed in any other case promising seasons. If the Terps can cut up these swing video games and eventually keep away from their annual late‑season fade, they’ll place themselves for an additional bowl look.
The Terps’ greatest alternative for a real 2026 assertion victory comes at dwelling in opposition to UCLA, a matchup that arrives early within the season earlier than depth attrition and accidents usually start to chip away on the roster. UCLA brings expertise but additionally inconsistency, and Maryland’s athletic profile aligns nicely with what normally offers the Bruins hassle.
A secondary candidate for a signature win is a street upset at Nebraska, particularly if Malik Washington outperforms Anthony Colandrea in a decent, late‑possession recreation.
Washington tasks as Maryland’s group MVP as a result of his improvement is the only greatest think about figuring out this system’s ceiling.
He’s essentially the most dynamic offensive weapon on the roster, able to elevating the complete unit together with his arm expertise, mobility, and talent to create off‑script. His offseason deal with ending drives and bettering fourth‑quarter execution straight targets Maryland’s most persistent weak spot, giving the Terps an opportunity to flip shut video games which have slipped away in recent times.
If Washington delivers a real 12 months 2 leap, Maryland turns into harmful sufficient to steal a recreation or two they in any other case wouldn’t, and that alone may swing their season.
A Duke’s Mayo Bowl matchup in opposition to NC State matches Maryland’s 2026 profile completely. A mid‑tier Huge Ten bowl slot, an East Coast location that makes journey straightforward for followers, and an opponent that gives a significant measuring stick for the place this system stands heading into 2027.
It’s the kind of recreation that may generate actual curiosity and provides Maryland an opportunity to shut the season with momentum.
Jaden Golding
File: 6-6 (3-6 Huge Ten)
Signature Win: Virginia Tech
Crew MVP: Sidney Stewart
Bowl: Music Metropolis Bowl
I actually wished to supply extra optimism about this 2026 Maryland Terrapins squad, however the uncertainty across the vast receiver group’s manufacturing, the lack of two key defensive starters, and total youth on the group make me hesitant to name for an above .500 document for the primary time since 2023.
If there’s one factor I’ve realized from being a Maryland soccer watcher through the years, it is that August into September is at all times a optimistic for this system, with robust begins in opposition to its non-conference opponents. This 12 months I count on nothing much less….
Opening up in opposition to Hampton, touring to UConn in week two, and returning dwelling for a neighborhood rivalry showdown in opposition to the James Franklin-led Virginia Tech Hokies.
I am in settlement with Mike Ostrowski that this season’s signature win will come up at dwelling in opposition to Virginia Tech in a Saturday evening primetime slot, fueling a sizzling 3-0 begin to the season.
Malik Washington may actually have a coming-out efficiency in entrance of a primetime viewers at dwelling in opposition to Tech, regardless of the return of former VT head coach Brent Pry to man the protection. There are additionally questions relating to the offensive line at Tech and the way former Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer does throughout the offense.
With the lack of edge rusher Zahir Mathis, I envision Sidney Stewart growing and rising much more after a team-high seven-sack 2025 season. This season, Stewart will end with double-digit sacks, 50+ tackles, two or extra compelled fumbles, and not less than 50 pressures en path to first- or second-team All-Huge Ten honors.
This protection would be the catalyst if the Terps can keep inside attain in these more durable Huge Ten matchups in opposition to Illinois, USC, UCLA, Penn State, and Ohio State.
Maryland’s different three victories ought to come in opposition to Rutgers on Oct. seventeenth, at Purdue on Nov. seventh and eventually again at dwelling in opposition to Wisconsin per week afterward Nov. 14th.
These six complete wins must be sufficient to return to Nashville for the Music Metropolis Bowl (2023 gained in opposition to Auburn) in opposition to a middle-of-the-pack SEC group corresponding to South Carolina, which might present a superb QB matchup between Washington and star Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers to complete the season and reclaim a bowl victory.
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