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Maryland football stars uncertain about futures after Locksley exit
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- Maryland football stars uncertain about futures after Locksley exit
COLLEGE PARK — Ten months ago, Malik Washington left little doubt about his future at Maryland.
The quarterback, fresh off a record-setting freshman campaign, announced he would remain in College Park in front of a packed Xfinity Center crowd during a men's basketball game, expressing confidence in the program Mike Locksley was building.
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On Tuesday, six days after Locksley's departure , Washington stopped short of making another commitment. Asked whether the coaching change had altered his plans, the sophomore offered a brief response.
"Nah, still got these last five games we have to play, and that's all I'm worried about."
Sophomore outside linebacker Sidney Stewart was more forthcoming, acknowledging that Locksley's exit would force him to reconsider his options.
"I think that's a pretty obvious answer, that yes, I have to reevaluate my own future," Stewart said. "But ultimately, I mean, I got five more games to play, and that's all I'm excited for."
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Neither indicated an intention to enter the transfer portal, but their responses reinforced the challenge facing interim coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim as he inherits a 2-5 team amid an uncertain offseason.
Washington and Stewart are among the most accomplished players Locksley recruited to College Park.
A former four-star prospect from Spalding, Washington threw for a school freshman-record 2,963 yards and 17 touchdowns last year. His production has dipped this fall, with 1,615 passing yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions through seven games.
Stewart, a Concordia Prep product and Freshman All-American, recorded seven sacks and 10 1/2 tackles for loss in 2025. He has 26 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles this season.
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Both developed close relationships with Locksley that extended beyond football.
Washington had known the former coach since eighth grade. Their final conversation, which he declined to detail, was personal and meaningful to both, he said.
Although mounting losses had fueled speculation about a coaching change, the news still caught Stewart off guard.
"Coach Locks was a big part of my decision coming here," Stewart said. "I can't say I was super surprised, but for it to actually happen, it definitely was a stunner for me and the rest of the team."
Other Terps who could attract interest in the transfer portal include junior wide receiver Chris Durr Jr., freshman edge rusher Zion Elee and sophomore edge rusher Zahir Mathis.
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Abdul-Rahim must now keep the roster invested while navigating the prospect of offseason departures.
The former Friendship Collegiate Academy coach has shortened practices, simplified schemes and emphasized personal connections. But he has little interest in looking beyond the immediate task.
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"I'm literally about the process right now," Abdul-Rahim said. "My process right now is after this press conference is to get the best Tuesday out of these young men."
Pressed on how he would maintain the team's commitment amid potential transfer-portal movement, Abdul-Rahim returned to a familiar theme.
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"I'm an old high school coach, so meaningful relationships mean something to me," he said. "Sometimes that is the biggest motivating factor, is love, and creating that brotherhood."
Abdul-Rahim has met several times with Washington and Stewart, whom he helped recruit, and credited both for supporting the transition.
The Terps host Illinois on Saturday in his debut before closing the regular season with four more games.
For now, those contests command Washington's and Stewart's attention. What follows remains undecided.
Have a news tip? Contact Michael Howes at mhowes@baltsun.com , 410-332-6200 and x.com/Mikephowes .
