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4 Maryland players who could be poached after Mike Locksley’s firing
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- 4 Maryland players who could be poached after Mike Locksley’s firing
The Maryland Terrapins made the move to fire head coach Mike Locksley on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Locksley, who turned in a 39-54 record with the Terps, has endured two 4-8 seasons in a row and was on pace for a third losing season after a 2-5 start in 2026.
Locksley's last winning season at Maryland was in 2023 when the Terrapins went 8-5 for a second straight campaign. He made the move to fire defensive coordinator Ted Monachino this past Sunday, but clearly, that wasn't the only move coming down the pike.
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In place of Locksley, Maryland will have longtime assistant Aazaar Abdul-Rahim serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. But in light of Locksley's firing, Maryland is going to be a hot destination for other programs to look for players to poach.
Here are four players Maryland will try to keep away from entering the transfer portal.
MORE: College Football Big Ten power rankings entering Week 8
Edge Zion Elee
Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Zion Elee (0) hits Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin (10) forcing a fumble during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 10, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The 2026 season was supposed to be the year for Maryland and its latest recruiting class confirmed that. Zion Elee became the Terrapins' highest-rated recruit in program history when he signed with Maryland. The Baltimore prospect was a five-star and ranked as the No. 2 player in the cycle, per ESPN.
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With fellow edge rusher Zahir Mathis out for the season, Elee was thrown into the fire early. He has tallied 12 tackles and leads the team in both tackles for loss (4.5) and sacks (three). Being a top-flight prospect, he is going to have a plethora of suitors after him.
Oregon, Penn State, Notre Dame and Ohio State were all players in his recruitment.
Edge Zahir Mathis
Aug 30, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Zahir Mathis (9) and Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Cam Rice (10) take down Florida Atlantic Owls quarterback Caden Veltkamp (10)during the first half at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Zion Elee was Maryland's prized recruit this past cycle, but it was Zahir Mathis in 2025. Mathis was an Ohio State commit, but flipped to Maryland ahead of signing day and he starred his freshman season.
Mathis had 35 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and six sacks in his first season playing college football. But a preseason injury has Mathis missing the 2026 season . Despite the injury, he has shown what he is capable of, and there will be teams expressing interest in the Philadelphia native.
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Both Ohio State and Penn State were factors in his recruitment, but the Nittany Lions have a new coaching staff. James Franklin and Virginia Tech could also become a factor here.
QB Malik Washington
Oct 10, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Malik Washington (7) drops to throw during the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The former four-star quarterback became Maryland's starting quarterback in 2025 as a true freshman. Malik Washington showcased his arm talent and threw for 2,963 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The Terrapins had a losing season, but it appeared like Washington was going to lead Maryland's offense for the next few seasons.
Turnovers have been an issue for Washington this season. He has thrown for 1,615 yards and nine touchdowns in seven games. But Washington has already thrown six interceptions. The sophomore slump appears real, but so is his talent.
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If Maryland doesn't hire an offensive-minded coach, Washington could be off to a place where he can win and be developed.
LB Sidney Stewart
Oct 4, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) is sacked by Maryland Terrapins linebacker Trey Reddick (3) and defensive lineman Sidney Stewart (29) in the first half at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Sidney Stewart was part of the 2025 class and was a three-star recruit. He is listed as a linebacker, but Stewart is a hybrid, seeing time at edge.
In 2025, it was the Stewart and Mathis show. Stewart led the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks as a true freshman. Now, in 2026, he has 26 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
Being a three-star recruit, he wasn't recruited heavily, but had interest in Virginia Tech. Brent Pry is still there, but as the defensive coordinator. If Stewart were to leave the Terrapins, the Hokies could be a player.
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