With Locksley returning, Maryland tries to chart a path to soccer success

Amid all that, Maryland selected endurance with Mike Locksley.

Athletic director Jim Smith introduced his help for Locksley on Sunday, ending hypothesis in regards to the coach’s job standing and committing to offering the sources needed for achievement. It was the most important determination Smith has needed to make since taking on the division earlier this yr, and Locksley addressed the long run Tuesday when he held his regular midweek information convention.

Locksley painted an image of full alignment between himself, Smith and senior deputy athletic director Diana Sabau.

“To have two individuals now that share the identical particular imaginative and prescient that I’ve, whereas additionally seeing the muse of what we’ve got after we did not have all of the sources that we wanted, I’m excited,” Locksley mentioned. “I see a lightweight on the finish of the tunnel. So, actually glad in regards to the help — alternative to remain right here dedicated to an space that I imagine in as a result of I’m from right here.”

With Penn State, LSU, Florida and Auburn among the many colleges in the midst of teaching adjustments, the Terrapins stood pat.

Maryland’s program faces vital challenges. It’s not positioned in a very passionate faculty soccer space, and that is mirrored within the attendance. The Terrapins have had way more success over the previous few a long time in sports activities like basketball, lacrosse, area hockey and soccer.

“I’ve introduced a plan for what it takes to win right here at Maryland,” Locksley said. “They’re behind me and behind that plan.”

When Locksley took over after the 2018 season, it was lower than six months following the demise of offensive lineman Jordan McNair, who collapsed from warmth stroke throughout an offseason exercise. Coach D.J. Durkin was in the end fired, and Locksley arrived from Alabama, the place he was an offensive coordinator.

“When he took the job, it was a job that no one actually wished to take,” receiver Octavian Smith Jr. said. “Maryland at the moment was at its lowest peak, and him taking the job, I really feel prefer it speaks quite a bit to his character.”

A local of Washington, D.C., Locksley returned to the world and led Maryland to a few straight bowl wins from 2021-23, the primary time in program historical past that had occurred. Then the Terps went 4-8 final season, they usually’re 4-6 this yr after six straight losses.

The 2025 season has become an excessive instance of a latest development for Maryland, which has received 18 consecutive nonconference video games — the longest lively streak within the FBS — however has repeatedly fared worse as seasons progressed. The Terrapins are 16-41 in Big Ten play since Locksley took over.

Maryland was 4-0 this yr and led Washington 20-0 within the second half. But the Terps misplaced that sport, adopted by shut defeats in opposition to Nebraska and UCLA. This month, they’ve dropped video games to Indiana, Rutgers and Illinois, all by double digits.

Maryland might want to beat No. 18 Michigan and Michigan State to get to 6-6.

“I gave the plan of what it takes to compete for Big Ten championships. It has a value. They’re conversant in that due to the plan I introduced,” Locksley mentioned. “It’s been resourced sufficient to be a bowl-eligible group. That half is on me. We’re not bowl-eligible, have not been final season, and we’ve got alternatives to be now.”

Now that Locksley’s standing is obvious, a key for Maryland is protecting its gifted younger gamers within the fold. Freshman quarterback Malik Washington — an area recruit — has been beginning for the Terps all season. Freshman defensive linemen Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis have impressed as effectively.

“Being right here 4 years, I can positively say from my experiences, that this is not the identical outdated Maryland,” Octavian Smith mentioned. “These younger guys that we’ve got right here, they’ll do nice issues for this program sooner or later.”

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