Maryland football’s offensive line took a drastic step back in 2024. The Terps ranked second-worst in Division I FBS in both run blocking and pass protection, according to Pro Football Focus.

Improving the unit’s production was a priority for coach Michael Locksley over the offseason, and through three non-conference games, the group has thrived.

Quarterback Malik Washington has consistently had time in the pocket and is yet to be sacked. The freshman finished the nonconference slate with a 261-yard performance against Towson on Saturday, scoring two touchdowns in a 44-17 win at SECU Stadium.

“[The offensive line] had put in a lot of work in the whole offseason and throughout the preseason and during camp,” Washington said. “I have complete confidence and trust in them, which allows me to sit back there and play.”

Maryland — who averaged the third-fewest rushing yards per game in the Big Ten last year and lost starting running back Roman Hemby to the transfer portal — also rushed for a season-high 152 yards.

Washington called the Terps’ offensive line the “hardest working position group” and said offensive success revolves around them. While four of the line’s five starters were on the team last season, only right tackle Alan Herron and right guard Aliou Bah started.

The line gave Washington opportunities to connect on long-developing plays down the field on Saturday.

The Archbishop Spalding product completed three passes of over 30 yards, including a touchdown to receiver Shaleak Knotts, who has scored in all three games. Senior receiver Octavian Smith Jr. added a 53-yard catch and ended with a career-best 103 receiving yards.

[After a grueling injury recovery, Isaiah Wright is a key leader for Maryland football]

“We saw [Smith Jr.] today utilizing the vertical speed that he brings to the table,” Locksley said. “Creates those big spaces where our quarterback makes a big kind of throw.”

Left guard Isaiah Wright missed all of last year with an Achilles tear, but has become the leader of the offensive line. The now-redshirt senior transferred to Maryland ahead of the 2024 campaign, taking an official visit that spring — which included a dinner in D.C. with Bah and Herron, who gave perspectives on the close camaraderie between players and coaches.

Michael Hershey returns as the Terps’ center after appearing in six games as a freshman, and left tackle Rahtrel Perry is the sole transfer addition following 26 games across three seasons at Central Connecticut State.

The new unit has put an emphasis on bonding outside of the field.

They’ve gone bowling, went on fishing trips, played paintball and attended an Orioles game together. The unit also enjoys eating with each other — with Mission BBQ and Iron Rooster among their favorite establishments, according to Wright.

The line created gaping holes on respective first-and-goals for running backs DeJuan Williams and Nolan Ray, who each took advantage with their first touchdowns of the season. Washington added 29 yards and a score on the ground with a season-high three rushing attempts.

Maryland’s defense, which has conceded just 33 points through three games, supported the offense’s dominant showing.

The Terps allowed below six yards per play, with one of the Tigers’ best scoring chances coming in the third quarter after Washington threw his first-career interception — a tipped pass that set Towson up with first-and-goal.

[Ex-Maryland football star Andre Monroe is renewed in the MMA cage]

But La’khi Roland jumped quarterback Andrew Indorf’s pass on third down after defensive lineman Sidney Stewart applied pressure, returning it over 100 yards for a pick-six. It was Maryland’s fourth interception return of over 100 yards all-time, and first since 1962.

“[The pass rush] helps us tremendously,” Roland said. “Stewart put pressure on that quarterback, so I can make that play. Without him, I don’t know what would have happened.”

Freshman Zahir Mathis, who has gotten to the quarterback in all three games, recorded another sack to go with a tackle-for-loss. The Tigers averaged less than two yards per carry.

With a 34-point lead, Washington and the Terps’ starters on the offensive line exited the game midway through the third quarter. While Maryland’s new-look offense has impressed early in the season at home, it’s been against weak nonconference opponents who haven’t held a lead.

Next week’s conference opener at Wisconsin will pose a much larger challenge — providing the first real glimpse at the identity of this young Maryland team.

“We have to win this first Big Ten game so we can set our own standard,” Roland said.