Maryland Terrapins Football

Representing the University of Maryland, College Park, the Maryland Terrapins football team competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Big Ten Conference. Having transitioned from the Atlantic Coast Conference to the Big Ten in 2014, the Terrapins, under the guidance of head coach Mike Locksley, have seen success, including one national championship and nine ACC championships. Their home games take place at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland, with occasional matches held in Baltimore. With storied rivalries against Virginia and West Virginia, the team boasts an impressive record of 28 bowl game appearances and 17 first-round NFL Draft picks.

Maryland Terrapins Football Introduction

The University of Maryland, College Park, is home to the Maryland Terrapins football team, representing the institution in the realm of American football. Competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Big Ten Conference, the Terrapins made a significant transition in 2014, joining the Big Ten Conference after 62 years as a founding member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Currently, under the guidance of head coach Mike Locksley, the team plays its home games at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland, with occasional appearances in Baltimore, making them one of two FBS football teams in the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area. The team's official colors of red, white, black, and gold, drawn from Maryland's state flag, have been in use since the 1920s, while the nickname "Terps," derived from the diamondback terrapin, was adopted in 1933. Over the years, Maryland has forged storied rivalries with Virginia and West Virginia, contributing to the team's rich football legacy. Notably, the Terrapins have celebrated one national championship, nine ACC championships, and a host of individual honors, including multiple Hall of Fame inductees and first-round NFL Draft picks. With a history dating back to 1892, the team initially contended with local universities and high schools due to the challenges of long-distance travel. The program underwent significant development during the leadership of Harry C. "Curley" Byrd, who served as head coach before assuming the university presidency. Maryland's successful journey continued as they joined the Southern Conference in 1921 and fostered renowned coaches, including Frank Dobson, Clark Shaughnessy, and Paul "Bear" Bryant, who later gained acclaim as the long-time Alabama head coach.

Maryland Terrapins Football History

The Maryland Terrapins football program dates back to its establishment by quarterback Will Skinner in 1892 at what was then the Maryland Agricultural College. Notably, the team experienced significant success under head coaches Jim Tatum, Jerry Claiborne, Bobby Ross, and Ralph Friedgen. During Tatum's tenure from 1947 to 1955, the Terps secured two national championships, two ACC championships, and a Southern Conference championship, participating in five bowl games. Following Tatum's departure, the team encountered a less distinguished period, marked by sporadic achievements and an overall record of 50–100–1 from 1956 to 1971. Notable moments included victories over ranked opponents such as North Carolina and Clemson. In 1986, the program faced adversity following the tragic incident involving basketball star Len Bias, leading to a challenging period until the appointment of Ralph Friedgen in 2001. Friedgen rejuvenated the team, securing an ACC championship and a Bowl Championship Series (BCS) game in his first season and consistently leading the Terrapins to bowl appearances throughout his tenure. With a rich and eventful history, the Terrapins remain a significant presence in the world of college football.

Maryland Terrapins Football Coach

Michael Anthony Locksley, born on December 25, 1969, is the current head football coach at the University of Maryland, a position he has held since 2019. He previously served as the head coach at the University of New Mexico in 2009 and as the offensive coordinator at Maryland. Locksley also made notable contributions as an offensive analyst and coordinator at the University of Alabama, earning the esteemed Broyles Award in 2018. Here is a list of all the Maryland Terrapins head coaches.

Maryland Terrapins Football Stadium: SECU Stadium

SECU Stadium, located on the University of Maryland campus in College Park, Maryland, serves as the home ground for the Maryland Terrapins football and men's lacrosse teams, both of which participate in the Big Ten Conference. Initially known as Byrd Stadium, it was renamed Maryland Stadium following objections to its original namesake, Harry "Curley" Byrd, due to his history of advocating for segregation. Constructed at a cost of $1 million, the stadium opened on September 30, 1950, boasting a horseshoe-shaped bowl with a seating capacity of 34,680. Over the years, the stadium underwent several enhancements, including the addition of permanent lights in 1985 and the construction of the five-story Tyser Tower in 1991, which featured luxury suites and an expanded press area. In 2006, a $20 million deal with Chevy Chase Bank led to the field being temporarily named Chevy Chase Bank Field, later becoming Capital One Field after the bank's acquisition. On September 16, 2022, the university announced a new 10-year deal with SECU, leading to the renaming of the stadium as SECU Stadium. The agreement, valued at $11 million, includes $2.5 million for athletic facility improvements. The decision to remove Harry "Curley" Byrd's name from the stadium was the result of the university's efforts to address his controversial history of supporting segregation, culminating in the stadium's eventual SECU branding.

Maryland Terrapins Football Rivals

West Virginia

The Maryland-West Virginia football rivalry, dating back to their first encounter in 1919, has seen 53 matchups as of 2021. Although there were talks of it becoming an annual game when West Virginia considered joining the ACC in 2012, the Mountaineers eventually joined the Big 12 Conference. With a history of hiring new head coaches in 2001, including Rich Rodriguez at West Virginia, the schools often compete for recruits in their shared recruiting areas. The series experienced a hiatus in 2008 and 2009 but resumed in 2010, continuing for five consecutive seasons in various locations. The most recent encounter in 2021 saw Maryland triumph over West Virginia with a 30-24 win at Maryland Stadium.

Penn State

The Maryland-Penn State football rivalry has witnessed 45 games as of 2021, with Penn State holding a dominant 41–3–1 lead. While Maryland was in the ACC before joining the Big Ten in 2014, the rivalry primarily thrived through recruiting battles. Despite infrequent matchups during Maryland's time in the ACC, the teams competed for recruits in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and Delaware Valley. Over the years, their games have seen diverse outcomes, including Maryland's notable victory in 2014 and Penn State's dominant performance in 2016. The most recent clash occurred on 11/12/22 at Beaver Stadium, resulting in a 30-0 victory for Penn State.

Maryland Terrapins Football Record and stats

The Maryland Terrapins football program's statistical leaders encompass a range of categories, including passing, rushing, receiving, total offense, defensive stats, and kicking. Representing the University of Maryland, College Park in the Big Ten Conference, the team's official record book commences from 1949 due to incomplete and inconsistent records from earlier years, despite the team's history dating back to 1892. The lists predominantly feature players from more recent decades due to various factors, such as the elongation of seasons from 10 to 11 and then 12 games since the 1950s, the NCAA's allowance of freshmen to play varsity football from 1972, and the inclusion of bowl games in statistics starting from 2002. The Terrapins' participation in nine bowl games since this decision has allowed recent players the opportunity to amass additional statistics, shaping the program's contemporary statistical leaders.

Conference championships

Maryland Terrapins Football Roster

The Maryland Terrapins Football team's roster for the current season is composed of a diverse group of talented athletes. On the offensive side, notable players include quarterbacks Cameron Edge, Billy Edwards Jr., Champ Long, Jayden Sauray, and senior Taulia Tagovailoa. The running back corps features Ryne Acheson, Ramon Brown, Roman Hemby, Antwain Littleton II, and Eli Mason. Defensively, the team boasts a formidable line with players like Tommy Akingbesote, Donnell Brown, Isaac Bunyun, Tre Colbert, Dillan Fontus, Quashon Fuller, Lavon Johnson, Taizse Johnson, Daniel Owens, and Jordan Phillips. This dynamic roster showcases the team's depth and potential as they compete in the season ahead.

Maryland Terrapins Football Schedule

The Maryland Terrapins football team began their season with a strong winning streak, securing victories against Towson, Charlotte, Virginia, Michigan State, and Indiana. However, they faced setbacks against Ohio State, Illinois, and Northwestern. Looking ahead, they are set to face Penn State at home on November 5, followed by an away game against Nebraska on November 11. Their final home game of the season will be against Michigan on November 18, with their last game taking place away at Rutgers on November 25.