Shaleak Knotts and Octavian Smith Jr. were non-factors for Maryland football last season. The pair combined for just 42 receiving yards a game and three touchdowns — part of an offense that averaged nearly a touchdown fewer than 2023.

This season, the seniors have become quarterback Malik Washington’s top targets.

Knotts leads the team with 276 receiving yards and has scored in every game, including two touchdowns in the Terps’ 27-10 win over Wisconsin. Smith hasn’t reached the end zone but has topped 100 yards the past two weeks, including a career-high 113 against the Badgers.

“They’ve been amazing. Sometimes they’re like a safety blanket, just because I know that they’re going to continue to play when the ball is in the air,” Washington said.

Knotts, nicknamed “Punch,” acknowledged his last three seasons with Maryland didn’t go as planned. The senior said he still maintained trust in his teammates and coaches during struggles.

Knotts has scored five touchdowns in 2025 after recording only one through his first 31 career games.

Coach Michael Locksley said Washington’s trust in Knotts can sometimes be a negative since the freshman may excessively target him. But the connection has shone downfield with Knotts logging a reception of more than 25 yards in every game.

Washington hit Knotts on a post route for a 62-yard score — the longest play of each’s collegiate career — to seal the win against Wisconsin. In the first half, Smith notched a 48-yard reception to set up a Terps’ field goal with seconds remaining.

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The pairs’ ability to stretch the field has been vital for an offense averaging more than 32 points a game.

“Going into this year, us being the older guys in the room, we had to step up as leaders and take on that big brother role,” Smith said. “We are very close knit, and I think that’s something that’s real special about this year’s team.”

Special team’s blazing start

Maryland blocked a punt and field goal against the Badgers — its first time doing both in the same game since 2008. It became the first FBS school to achieve both in one quarter since 2020.

Freshman Zahir Mathis diverted a field goal on Wisconsin’s opening drive and freshman Messiah Delhomme deflected a punt at the end of the quarter.

“Special teams really set the stage for us early,” Locksley said. “When you talk about understanding the character of a team, you watch how they play special teams.”

Locksley credited special team coaches Andre Powell and Chili Davis, both of whom were hired in February. The Terps are tied for the Big Ten lead with three blocks, matching their total from last year.

Kicker Sean O’Haire, who Locksley called Maryland’s best transfer addition this offseason, has made all but one of his 11 field goals. Jack Howes kicked for the Terps the past two seasons and converted on 24 of 35 field goal attempts.

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“It really helps as a play caller to know that once you cross the [35-yard line] that you’ll have a chance to come away with points,” Locksley said. “Sean’s got a strong leg.”

A weakness has become a strength

Only five players collected interceptions for Maryland last season for nine total picks, fifth fewest in the Big Ten.

The Terps’ young defensive line this year has applied consistent pressure, allowing a revamped secondary to make more plays. Seven players have recorded interceptions for Maryland, which boasts eight total to lead FBS schools.

“It’s not the same defense as last year,” said cornerback La’khi Roland, who notched a 100-yard pick-six against Towson in week three. “The brotherhood is special this year. Everybody’s closer and everybody’s doing things together.”

Maryland’s defense, which Roland described as violent, allowed three points through three quarters against the Badgers, the Terps’ fewest since joining the Big Ten in 2014.

Although the showing came against an injury-ridden Wisconsin, it’s a major benchmark to open conference play with a new unit.

If Washington struggles, Maryland’s ability to create turnovers and set up the offense will be even more important. That newfound advantage may be what’s most different about this team from previous seasons.