Welcome to The Diamondback Sports Digest: your weekly all-access pass to everything Maryland sports.
Terps football supporters feel … major excitement? Even before Maryland’s big 27-10 road win over Wisconsin, I chatted with longtime fans about quarterback Malik Washington and the palpable energy he’s brought to the program. Keep reading to hear opinions on the freshman who’s already garnering NFL draft hype.
Plus, I went to Wisconsin with sports editor and football reporter Michael Howes. We reviewed cheese curds and reported on the Terps’ win over the Badgers to start Big Ten play over the weekend. I can still feel the press box shaking during Wisconsin’s iconic ‘Jump Around’ at the end of the third quarter.
Our Pick of the Week:
Watch out, Lamar. Malik’s here.
Maryland football fan Dee Bryant compared Washington and Maryland coach Michael Locksley to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and coach John Harbaugh.
Bryant believes the two-time NFL MVP saved Harbaugh’s coaching career after the Ravens drafted him in 2018. While Washington has only played four collegiate games, Bryant feels he may have a similar effect on Locksley.
“[Locksley] needs to make sure Malik is tucked in bed every night, make sure he gets his vitamins,” Bryant said while tailgating, his friend laughing beside him. “He’s the cornerstone.”
Washington sure looked the part on Saturday, throwing for 265 yards and two touchdowns against the Badgers. He was so good that Wisconsin fans were chanting to fire its head coach midway through the second quarter.
The true freshman is just the second Power Conference quarterback since 2019 to throw for six touchdowns through three games, and has tossed more than 250 yards each game. Beyond his play, Washington has brought a palpable energy to College Park.
It’s not just students who are excited. Longtime fans feel Washington has a chance to revitalize the program, which has struggled to gain real traction in the Big Ten since Locksley took the helm in 2019.
The Highlight Reel
- Maryland football redshirt freshman Daniel “DD” Lee Holmes was arrested on DUI charges early Wednesday morning in College Park. The 19-year-old played in four games this season and has recorded three tackles.
- Home field advantage is commonly discussed in sports. But is fan turnout at Maryland really more than a refreshing break from classes, and does it truly make a difference? General assignment reporter Jillian Hartman looked into the science to find out.
- The Terps beat Wisconsin, 27-10, in their conference opener. Maryland played one of its most complete Big Ten games under Locksley, headlined by an emerging senior receiving duo.
- Before the season, coach Sasho Cirovski said Maryland men’s soccer’s squad could be the deepest he’s had since the 2018 national championship team. That depth has been a key advantage this season.
- Five-star forward Baba Oladotun, the No. 1 2026 prospect in Maryland, spoke with recruiting reporter Trevor Gomes about his visit to campus. The Silver Spring native would be Maryland men’s basketball’s first in-state five-star since Jalen Smith in 2018.
Quote of the week:
Maryland men’s soccer is off to an undefeated start, but Cirovski is unhappy with the lack of fans at Ludwig Field. The three-time national champion coach didn’t mince words after the Terps’ 2-1 win over Pittsburgh on Friday.
“I’m delighted that we had 2,500 people here, but we should’ve had 6,500 people here today,” Cirovski said. “I’m very disappointed with the people that didn’t come out tonight, and I certainly hope they take notice that they got something special brewing here this fall with our soccer team.”
Up next
🏈 Football is on bye before hosting the Washington Huskies on Oct. 4.
⚽️ No. 23 men’s soccer hosts Northwestern on Friday night, while women’s soccer is heading to the West Coast for clashes with USC on Thursday and UCLA on Sunday.
🏑 No. 10-ranked field hockey faces a pair of ranked opponents, hosting No. 12 Michigan on Friday and No. 8 Princeton on Sunday.
