As Maryland football awaits its 2024 season-opener against UConn on Saturday, The Diamondback’s football beat writers Brandon Schwartzberg and Sam Jane asked readers to submit questions for a Terps mailbag.
There were countless questions submitted. A select few were answered.
Ceiling? Floor? Expectations?
Brandon: Maryland’s slate is loaded with high-end opponents in the second half of its schedule, while its first six games all feel winnable. There’s a strong chance it gets off to a hot start and struggles to end the season, as the Terps did the last two years.
Ceiling: 9-3. Start 6-0, secure wins over Minnesota and Rutgers and a victory over one of USC, Oregon, Penn State or Iowa. Playing USC and Iowa at home is a positive but still, that won’t be easy — coach Michael Locksley hasn’t beaten a ranked Big Ten opponent since taking over in 2019.
Floor: 5-7. Maryland’s struggles against ranked Big Ten foes may result in four losses. It’s also a difficult conference to win on the road, and the Terps play at Minnesota and Indiana. Losing those two leaves one more loss among the rest of the schedule — including Rutgers, Michigan State and at Virginia — to finish 5-7.
My guess is right in the middle at 7-5 and the Terps reach a bowl game for the fourth straight season. Locksley might also finally get the ranked Big Ten win that’s eluded him.
How is the team adjusting its offensive plan now that Taulia is gone?
Sam: For three years, Maryland’s offensive identity has been shaped around its quarterback. Taulia Tagovailoa threw more passes than any other Big Ten signal-caller last year. Maryland averaged more than 28 points per game from 2021 to 2023.
While Locksley said there’s no uncertainty at quarterback, Maryland’s offense will likely change. Expect to see a greater emphasis on the running game. Both Billy Edwards Jr. and MJ Morris are adept with their legs, so designed quarterback runs could be a factor.
Kaden Prather and Tai Felton, Maryland’s two top receivers, will also help ease the new quarterback’s transition.
[The Diamondback Sports Digest: Previewing the Maryland football season]
Of the ranked opponents, who’s most likely for Maryland to upset?
Brandon: I talked about this earlier, but I think it’s much more likely Maryland upsets Iowa or USC at home than Penn State or Oregon on the road.
The Terps’ lone win in State College since 2014 came in a pandemic-shortened season without fans, which was also James Franklin’s worst year coaching Penn State. Oregon shouldn’t be any easier, as traveling across the country provides its own difficulty, plus Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel is on the Davey O’Brien Award watch list.
Against Iowa, it will all depend on how well Maryland’s offense plays. The Hawkeyes have averaged under 20 points per game in each of their past two seasons — three touchdowns could easily result in a win for the Terps. USC quarterback Miller Moss has only started one game entering the year. The schools’ lack of familiarity with each other could also benefit Maryland.
Which player on the roster do you think will go highest in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Sam: Only two Maryland players were in the 2024 NFL Draft. That number could rise in 2025.
The Terps don’t have a top-tier prospect as of now, but they do have multiple potential day-three draft picks in Kaden Prather, Tai Felton, Roman Hemby, Jordan Phillips, Glendon Miller and Dante Trader Jr.
Phillips, the explosive defensive tackle, is the popular choice. The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman included him on his annual “Freaks List.”
But my pick is a player with limited starting experience. Miller is expected to step into a larger role for Maryland this season as a safety and nickelback. Locksley compared him to NFL All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick, who he coached at Alabama.
“Glendon’s one of those guys, of all the players in the program, he’s one of the guys that I think has come the furthest,” Locksley said. “The talent is there, he’s a guy that will play on Sundays and I think he’ll be a guy that has his name called early [in the NFL draft].”
The 6-foot-2 safety has the length and speed to star at the next level.
[I faced a Maryland football player in EA Sports College Football 25]
Which freshman (redshirt or true) makes the biggest impact?
Brandon: No freshman immediately stands out the most, but redshirt running back Nolan Ray is a name to look out for.
With Antwain Littleton now at Temple, there are carries to gain, and Ray could be a beneficiary. While Hemby has two straight seasons as an All-Big Ten honorable mention, the Terps have used a committee approach with Hemby notching less than half of their carries both years.
Colby McDonald remains a solid backup, but Ray was named to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award watch list. Offensive coordinator Josh Gattis said Ray made one of the biggest jumps on the team during the spring.
How realistic is an 8-4 regular season?
Sam: A third straight eight-win year would likely be deemed a successful season. With how the Terps schedule is set up, it’s a likely proposition.
Maryland’s first six opponents finished with a combined 31-43 record last year. A 6-0 start is not out of the question. From there, two wins in six games is achievable.
It would take a lot coming together, but an 8-4 season would give Maryland a strong bowl game appearance and more momentum for the program.
