From Ryan O'Blenees of the national team. Predictions for Blake Woodby, Jayvon McFadden and Jaylen Gilchrist.

We will see with Gilchrist. The Terps definitely made a lasting impression with his official visit to College Park, but he openly called South Carolina the clear leader before the visit. I haven't heard anything personally to make me think he's done to the Terps, but they definitely have the people in place and the proximity to the Tidewater area to pull this one off.

As for Woodby, everyone seems to think Auburn is going to land the Rivals100 DB, but this is one of those ones where I'm must tuning out most of the noise and believe the Terps are in it until he is signed elsewhere. He has a very strong relationship with AAR and it just feels to me like they have a few other things going in their favor too, despite all the Auburn talk. I'm not putting in a FutureCast for Maryland at this point, but I'm not putting one in for Auburn either, despite all the talk about the Tigers.

More at the link below.

STORY

Comfortable and Confident as he says. Wants to be the first black HC to win a National Championship. Has three OL coaches and that excites me. Seems he finally has a grasp on the importance of line play. And the massive weight loss, which is great for his credibility and of course his health. IMHO that was the biggest improvement from last year and years past. Congrats to Coach Locks!

This is interesting. Not sure if I like it. More bench guys for bigger schools, but this makes the g5 even worst.

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COLLEGE PARK, MD - The University of Maryland Athletics Department will introduce a simplified and modernized ticket pricing model that transitions to a per seat contribution for Maryland football and men’s basketball, starting with the 2025-26 seasons. Along with this will come a new premium experience opportunity at XFINITY Center as well as wider lower-level seats at SECU Stadium providing enhanced offerings and comfort at both venues.

As part of the transition to a per seat model, the Terrapin Club will also make an exciting shift to an all-in giving model that combines all gifts to Maryland Athletics into one contribution total which will be used to determine Terrapin Club member level.

This new season ticket model is the result of comprehensive analysis and in consideration of fan feedback received in recent years. The updated pricing structure will allow Maryland Athletics to streamline the season ticket process and the donor experience, introduce consistency across venues, and provide current season ticket holders increased ownership of their experience. The new process is also intended to make it easier to welcome new Terp fans to campus for an enhanced gameday atmosphere, while providing equitable and affordable options for everyone.

Additional fan input has also influenced the expansion of a variety of exciting seating amenities that will launch between now and Fall 2025. Opening this fall at XFINITY Center, The Maryland Club will offer an exclusive bar, dining, lounge and gameday experience. Over at SECU Stadium, more than 17,000 lower bowl seats will be widened by 20 percent in the fall of 2025, providing a more comfortable footprint of space for each ticket holder. With fan experience a priority at athletics venues, several other initiatives to enhance game day atmosphere, comfort, and enjoyment are set to come online in the near future as well.

“Maryland Athletics is built on tradition, and we continue to take building that tradition to another level when it comes to Maryland football and basketball,” said Damon Evans, the Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics. “As we continue to invest in the championship resources needed to win at the highest levels, it is important that we reimagine the fan experience from all angles while keeping pace and evolving with the rest of our peers in the Big Ten and nationally. By advancing these plans, we aim to empower our current season ticket holders while welcoming a new generation of fans to join us at SECU Stadium and XFINITY Center for an even better and more enjoyable experience.”

The new plan aims to provide fair and affordable options while opening up access to more desirable seating that has previously been unavailable. Football season tickets will include several sections that do not require a per seat contribution. Moving forward, all men’s basketball season ticket holders will become Terrapin Club members with each seat in XFINITY Center requiring at least a $25 per seat contribution.

All football and men’s basketball season ticket holders, in alignment with a seat adjustment in 2025, will be able to choose the options that work best for them based on the new structure. Using the Terpoint priority system that has been in effect for several years, rankings will lock in Dec. 31, 2024, and those rankings will dictate the order of selection for football and men’s basketball tickets, as well as parking for both sports. More information regarding seat adjustments will be shared with Terrapin Club members and season ticket holders later this fall. In addition, the 2025-26 year will introduce an all-in giving model, a streamlined benefits chart, and an updated Terpoint system that celebrates philanthropy and rewards donors who increase giving year-over-year.

“We want the experience to be easier to understand and navigate, equitable for all fans while still rewarding long-time and highly invested supporters, and reflective of our collective goal to see sustained success in football and men’s basketball along with all of our sports. As the collegiate athletics landscape continues to evolve, there are critical steps we need to take to align Maryland with peer institutions while elevating our competitive success in the years ahead. This new ticket and giving model allows us to do this and more. We look forward to the opportunity to continue to provide unforgettable memories of our Terps year after year,” added Kirby Mills, Senior Associate Athletics Director and Chief Development Officer of the Terrapin Club.

The unveiling of the new model continues a trend of Maryland’s ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernize the total experience for all Terrapin fans. Over the last five years, Maryland has added state-of-the-art video boards at SECU Stadium and XFINITY Center, installed new sound systems, upgraded to enhanced LED lighting systems, and established elite practice facilities with the opening of Jones-Hill House and current construction of the Barry P. Gossett Basketball Performance Center.

Terrapin fans are encouraged to visit umterps.com/NextEra to access expanded information on the new per seat model, including an FAQ section and customized calculator to provide additional clarity for pricing in various sections. Terrapin Club members and current season ticket holders will also receive a printed guide in the mail over the course of the next few weeks. Fans wanting to speak with an Athletics representative are encouraged to call 301-314-7060.

Big Ten Media Days kick off today and run through Thursday.

The Terps will meet with the media on Thursday, along with Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington.

Maryland will be represented by head coach Mike Locksley along with WR Tai Felton, LB Ruben Hyppolite II and DL Jordan Phillips.

You can catch all three days live on BTN.

The Terps have landed a commitment from local four-star ATH Zymear Smith. He was previously committed to Alabama and can play multiple positions on offense and defense. Huge addition to what is shaping up to be one of the best classes in the country. Terps now have 5 four-stars in this year's class. More at the link below.

STORY

From some random nobody with an account on X...

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I'm hearing Zymear Smith will announce his commitment on Friday, after initially thinking he'd possibly announce Aug. 1. I'm still awaiting final details. I was also told he's likely to start out at WR for the Terps but there is a lot of flexibility there and the door is wide open for him to play DB if he prefers. Obviously, Terps still in excellent shape here.

As for other big-time targets still on the board, Rivals250 OL Jaylen Gilchrist will announce Aug. 3. He is officially down to the Terps, Cocks and Georgia. Terps are right there, but at this point I'm not sure I can call them the leaders. They might still have a bit of ground to make up with this one. But we will see what happens here in the home stretch over the next few days.

But the good news is Zymear Smith should be officially on board to start the weekend, giving the Terps a 5th four-star in the class.

On Monday, 5:30 PM EDT, Maryland -Miami FB 1984

6:30 is 1986 Terps BB at UNC

8 PM Terp Fla BB 2003

10 PM 1984 ACC title game

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58. Mike Locksley (Maryland)©G Fiume/Getty Images
It's been a mixed bag for Mike Locksley since coming back home to run his hometown program. The Terrapins are coming off three straight winning seasons (and three bowl wins in a row). With Locksley's immense recruiting ability, Maryland has been able to attract some good talent within its program. On the other hand, Maryland hasn't shown much to indicate it can actually compete seriously in the Big Ten. Locksley's career record at Maryland through six years is 29-33 (15-32 in conference play).

As expected, Bryce Jenkins is officially on board as the 4th four-star in the Terps’ 2025 recruiting class. With the addition of Jenkins, the Terps’ class is ranked 20th as of this minute. More on his commitment at the link below.

STORY

COLLEGE PARK, MD -- Senior safety Dante Trader Jr. has been named an Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominee, the American Football Coaches Association announced today, July 17.

Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football athletes for their unwavering commitment to community service and their "good works" off the field. This year's 178 nominees champion causes including mental health awareness, youth mentorship, hunger relief, domestic abuse prevention, and many more. In addition to being actively involved with a charitable organization or service group, each player must also maintain strong academic standing to be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Trader Jr. has been a staple in the community throughout his time in College Park. The Delmar, DE native co-hosts the One Speed Podcast, a podcast that addresses topics beyond football. Additionally, he helped organize and lead the One Speed Backpack Drive last year, raising over $10,000 for it and supplying over 200 fully-loaded backpacks for J.C. Nalle Elementary School in Washington, D.C. A 2023 CSC Academic All-District honoree, Trader Jr. also frequently takes part in community service events where he works with underprivileged youth in the DMV area.

The senior has tallied 131 tackles (86 solo) and four interceptions across 25 games in three years in College Park. He has earned preseason All-Big Ten honors from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele ahead of the 2024 season.

The final roster of the 23 Allstate AFCA Good Works award recipients will be announced later in September. All members are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, current and former head coaches and journalists who look for exceptional leadership on and off the football field.

Not enough value for the disruption they bring.

While it is mentioned deep in there, an implosion of the A¢¢ brings about a change of calculus and may get F$U in, but the B1G's preferred targets are UNC and UVA. They aren't leaving unless the A¢¢ implodes and they would prefer the SEC over the B1G anyway and the SEC would certainly jump if the A¢¢ implodes.

And the A¢¢ doesn't implode with just a departure of F$U and Clemson for the Big 12, which they aren't too enamored over joining anyway.

USA up 53 - 37 at half

Changed starting lineup - inserted Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum for Jrue Holiday and Devin Booker

Edwards had huge 1st quarter!
11 points, 4/4 fgs, 3/3 3’s - all that in under 6 minutes of action to begin game

He and LeBron combined for 1st 4 fgs for USA, 2 3’s by each to start game

LeBron had 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists in 13 minutes

2nd unit was Holiday, Haliburton, Booker, Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis

Embiid’s movements seemed sluggish, usually last man back and he was least impressive player although he did grab 5 rebounds but not much else

3’s
USA 8-19
Australia 2-11

Bench points
USA 20
Australia 9

Durant remains out with calf injury

Cam Whitmore is down to a final three of UNC, Illinois and Villanova and has officially eliminated the Terps. Knew it was unlikely he’d pick Maryland but still a tough pill to swallow.

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A write up from Sam Spiegelman (who's actually a Maryland grad for those who didn't know) with a mention of top 2026 defensive back Camdin Portis at the end. Terps were among his first offers as he is expected to be one of the most sought after DBs in his class nationally. Also includes an interview with Clinton Portis. More at the link below.

STORY

Mentioned in another thread, but I was at a funeral and out of pocket most of the day yesterday. When I finally turned my phone back on, I had a text with a cool picture a colleague sent me from this weekend's adidas event. Father and son.

Obinna Jr. is currently 7-foot and over 220 pounds with offers already from Houston, Stanford and Cal. Kid is a big-time shot blocker and already has the ability to stretch the defense some.

For those who might not remember, his dad played for Gary Williams and went on to have a solid career in the NBA. He's 2027 and one to definitely keep an eye on moving forward.

After being front and center and three-deep for Jordan Scott on Friday, Kevin Willard was front and center for new top priority, combo guard Christian Jeffrey of Mt. Zion Prep yesterday at Peach Jam. He currently plays for the New York Lightning.

This kid has absolutely blown up of late and has the look and game of a grown man. He took an official visit to Maryland a couple of weeks ago and the Terps are currently right at the top of his recruitment. Butler, Mississippi St. and Tennessee are others that are currently heavily involved and looking to get visits. Like Jordan Scott, he's looking at an early fall timeframe as far as committing, likely in early October. He's originally from NYC (Brooklyn) and seems to have the kind of build and game that Willard seems to really like.

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