Maryland Football Scoop: QB Competition | Recruiting Buzz | Big Manny Plan
What's the latest chatter on Maryland football's big-name quarterback competition? What about a five-star who could end up in College Park? That and more scoop from inside the Maryland football program.
It's the calm before the spring for Maryland football. Transfers and early enrolling 2025 graduates have arrived in College Park, along with a lot of new and repositioned staffers. What's the latest buzz on the upcoming quarterback competition? And which non-local standouts should you be watching closely in 2026? Those answers and more:
It's too early to say anything about the quarterback competition with confidence until we see them in spring ball, which starts later this month. Malik Washington is viewed as the future face of the program, but most believe he'll need a year of polishing before being ready to be a Big Ten starting quarterback, like roughly 99% of high school recruits. He'll have his opportunity, as will UCLA transfer Justyn Martin and holdover Khristian Martin.
Martin (pictured with Washington and Locksley), though not a four-star recruit like the other two, is the sleeper in the race against two bigger names. I've continued to hear good things about his size, throwing arm and intangibles.
"They're all big and very competitive," a source said.
Maryland will add more defensive linemen in the spring portal after losing two likely NFL Draft picks in Jordan Phillips and Tommy Akingbesote, along with key contributors Taizse Johnson, Quashon Fuller and Donnell Brown. But I'm told the staff likes the makings of that unit. Dillan Fontus, who's gained about 50 pounds since his arrival as a high school recruit, is ready to take on a full-time role. They're also high on former four-star Neeo Avery, assuming he stays healthy. And the early enrollees are physically impressive.
"Bryce Jenkins and Nahsir Taylor look like grown men," a source said.
When you talk to people around the program, the sentiment remains strong that its well-armed with enough cash and NIL opportunities to continue to upgrade the roster.
Some quick 2026 recruiting updates:
Maryland recently offered a new name at tight end, Carson Sneed. The Nashville native, ranked the No. 13 tight end and No. 258 prospect in the 247Sports Composite Rankings, is committed to Tennessee but it sounds like the Terps have momentum and will be hosting him for an official visit. After the recent portal exodus of tight ends, including Dylan Wade (UCF), Rico Walker (Auburn) and Preston Howard (Auburn), they need to restock the position, and he might be their No. 1 choice.
It still doesn't sound like five-star in-state offensive tackle Manny Iheanacho will announce until he's taken all of his summer officials. He's enjoying the process, but the Terps are in a a good position and it's possible he could end it before then.
What about quarterback recruiting? After adding Washington, Martin and freshman Jackson Hamilton, the son of new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, they don't have any plans to recruit a high school quarterback in the 2026 class.
Looking at other skill positions, running back was thinned by transfers and graduation, but Maryland has two young backs the staff views as emerging stars in Nolan Ray and Dejuan Williams. And they added two promising backs in its 2025 class in Iverson Howard and Bud Coombs, so this will be a light cycle there.
The receiver spot, though, needs reinforcements. A top name to key an eye on: Ayson Theus, a dynamic 5-8, 160-pound playmaker from Duncanville, Tex. Assistant coach Zac Spavital, a Texas native who recently moved from coaching safeties to inside linebackers, has a connection close to Theus. Ranked the No. 68 receiver in the country, they view him as a similar-style player to Tavon Austin, the former West Virginia star and longtime NFL player.
