Maryland football’s two best defensive linemen will be back next year.

The Terps announced Zahir Mathis’ return on Thursday, while Sidney Stewart confirmed his Friday.

Stewart led Maryland in 2025 with seven sacks and Mathis logged six — the next closest Terp notched two. The freshmen combined for nearly half of Maryland’s 27 sacks, No. 8 in the Big Ten, after recording a conference low 14 in the year before.

That growth could reach another level next season with the arrival of five-star edge rusher Zion Elee, the highest-ranked recruit in program history and No. 2 player in the 2026 class.

Stewart, from Joppa, Maryland, committed to Maryland in June 2024. Mathis, a Philadelphia native, first chose Ohio State before he flipped to the Terps in February.

[Zahir Mathis nearly quit football. Now he’s flourishing at Maryland.]

Mathis toured Maryland in January before making the decision. He told The Diamondback in October it was the best visit he ever had. Over a weekend, Mathis visited food spots, scooter routes and the billiards room in Stamp Student Union.

Mathis also talked with Stewart and quarterback Malik Washington during his recruitment. Coach Michael Locksley said Mathis’ commitment was a byproduct of the relationship that Washington had with him.

[Malik Washington to return to Maryland football in 2026]

After a disappointing 4-8 campaign, questions lingered as to whether the freshmen trio would return. The Terps allowed 26.5 points a game, fifth-worst in the Big Ten, and more than 30 in five of their last seven contests.

But athletic director Jim Smith pledged more funding towards football and stressed prioritizing roster retention. With Mathis, Stewart and Washington all back, he’s maintained that commitment thus far.