Maryland is one of the Big Ten’s teams that could benefit from the recent abandonment of divisions. In years past, the Terrapins would have to face the gauntlet of the Big Ten East against teams like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.
Even with that daunting schedule, Maryland has made three straight bowl games. Many think Maryland could achieve bigger and better things in the Big Ten. ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach both project the Terps to make a bowl for a fourth straight year.
While Schlabach has Maryland in the Detroit Bowl against Toledo, Bonagura has them making their second Pinstripe Bowl appearance in four years against North Carolina.
Mike Locksley’s team returns from key pieces from last year’s 8-5 team that finished with a dominant Music City Bowl win against Auburn. Wide receiver Tai Felton returns for his senior season after reeling in over 700 yards and six touchdowns last season. Running back Roman Hemby will also see a much bigger role this season, with new quarterback M.J. Morris filling in the shoes of former QB Taulia Tagovailoa
Defensively, Glendon Miller should be an X-factor in this secondary, as he totaled 37 solo tackles, four interceptions, and four pass deflections last year. Linebacker Kellan Wyatt will also have an impact on Maryland’s front seven, leading the team in both sacks and tackles for loss in 2023.
The Terps open the season at home against UConn on Aug. 31. They then jump right into Big Ten play against the Michigan State Spartans on Sept. 7 in College Park.
