Mike Locksley has done an excellent job turning Maryland into a respectable football program during his first four seasons as the head coach. Yet, the Terrapins remain a step behind the giants of the Big Ten Conference, particularly Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State.
However, entering his fifth year in College Park, Locksley believes Maryland is ready to compete in the Big Ten. He made a bold claim Thursday at the Big Ten Media Days.
“The program has reached a point where we can say ‘we’re here to compete for Big Ten championships,'” Locksley said, per Jeff Ermann of InsideMDSports. “You haven’t heard me say that in the previous four times, I’ve been in front of you guys.”
Maryland has stocked talent in recent years through recruiting and the transfer portal. The Terps have had back-to-back winning seasons with bowl game victories in each.
This year’s team appears no different. Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa earned Big Ten Preseason Honors this week. He was one of two quarterbacks in the conference to make the list.
The Terps also have running back Roman Hembry and wide receiver Jeshaun Jones returning. Their offense gets a boost from West Virginia transfer Kaden Prather and Florida International transfer Tyrese Chambers at receiver. The offensive line looks like a Big Ten offensive line.
On defense, the team has a plethora of talent, starting with cornerback Tarheeb Still with safeties Dante Trader Jr. and Beau Brade.
Still, its season comes down to facing the Big Ten giants, who are all part of the Big Ten East division. Can Maryland hold its own against Michigan, who is coming off a College Football Playoff appearance, CFB Playoff perennial contender Ohio State, and the usually formidable Penn State?
Maryland has a favorable schedule to start the season. The Terps could be 5-0 going into its Oct. 7 meeting against Ohio State in Columbus.
Nonetheless, Maryland is on the right path. The upcoming season will be the final year they’ll be guaranteed to face the gauntlet of the Big Ten East powers. The league is doing away with divisions, starting in 2024, with the additions of USC and UCLA.
The new schedule format will hugely benefit Maryland in the future. So there is reason to be optimistic that the Terps will indeed compete in the Big Ten for championships.
Locksley’s comments will put focus on this year’s team. He has good reason to believe they’ll be formidable. Maryland has arguably the best quarterback in the Big Ten. Still, Ohio State will be daunting even after CJ Stroud’s NFL departure. Plus, the Terps haven’t taken control of its rivalry with Penn State.
Maryland has much to prove before being a serious threat to the Big Ten. But Lockley would prove his point with the Terrapins staying involved in the Big Ten East race late into the season.
