Maryland football is desperate for a victory as the team prepares to face Illinois this weekend. With their last win dating back almost two months, the Terps are not only fighting for their season but also for the job security of their head coach, Michael Locksley.
After suffering five consecutive losses, calls for a coaching change have grown louder among fans. Despite this, athletic director Jim Smith has reaffirmed his support for Locksley, stating that he will remain in his position for the remainder of the 2025 season.
As Maryland (4-5, 1-5 Big Ten) heads to Illinois (6-3, 3-3), players are feeling the weight of the situation. The last time the Terps secured a win was on September 20, when they defeated Wisconsin 27-10. During a press conference at SECU Stadium, freshman quarterback Malik Washington emphasized the team”s commitment to each other, saying, “I think we”re playing for everybody in the building. Nobody likes to feel this type of way after losing five straight. You”re playing for the senior guys. This is their last chance.”
Redshirt junior safety Lavain Scruggs echoed Washington”s sentiment, stressing that the team is focused on their upcoming opponent rather than external pressures. “As a team, we are always playing for one another,” Scruggs noted. “Whatever”s going on outside, we”re not really worried about that.” This determination is commendable given the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Locksley”s leadership.
The current losing streak ties for the second-longest in Locksley”s tenure, and following a 35-20 loss to Rutgers, the Terps will not finish the season with a winning record in the Big Ten, a milestone that has eluded the coach throughout his seven years at the helm.
Despite the team”s struggles, the players remain loyal to Locksley. Senior safety Jalen Huskey and redshirt senior left guard Isaiah Wright have publicly supported their coach, and Washington and Scruggs have joined in that effort. Locksley himself expressed discomfort with the need for players to publicly defend him, stating, “I don”t like that. I”m a big boy. I”ve been a big boy a long time.” He acknowledged the positive impact he has had on his players, remarking, “That”s doing good work. I”m here to do good work.”
Washington understood Locksley”s reluctance to draw attention to the situation, highlighting the team”s focus on their own performance. “We really just want to focus on being able to play for the person next to you and your brothers,” he said. “We”ve grinded with this whole offseason to try to make it to this point.”
Despite the turmoil, team morale remains strong. Washington noted that players continue to support each other, even during weightlifting sessions. Scruggs affirmed that the team dynamic has not changed, stating, “We”re still the same team… The guys want to win. The guys are hungry.” With two victories needed in their last three games to become bowl eligible, the Terps are aware of the stakes as they face Illinois, ranked No. 18 Michigan, and Michigan State in the coming weeks.
Locksley emphasized the importance of the upcoming game as an opportunity to turn their fortunes around. “It”s to take advantage of the next opportunity,” he said. “Those practices, as I”ve said, are invaluable.” He remains committed to guiding the team through this challenging phase.
As the Terps prepare for Illinois, Washington underscored the significance of their internal community. “We understand that it”s really just the people in the building that matter,” he concluded. “And now it”s, continue to work for those same people that have worked with you this whole time.”
With the pressure mounting, the players are determined to channel their motivation into securing a much-needed win.
