Maryland basketball expands its recruiting wish list in 2026 with offer a promising guard
It's a different era of college basketball recruiting thanks to NIL and the transfer portal, including schools casting smaller nets of non-seniors. Maryland has remained steady with some prospects in the '26 class while being particular about the players in whom they invest their time, including a new name on the list.
It's a different era of college basketball recruiting thanks to NIL and the transfer portal, which have forced programs to adjust their strategies, including casting a smaller net of non-seniors. Maryland has remained steady with some prospects in the 2026 class while being particular about the sort of players in whom they invest their time, including a new name on the list.
Hill School (Pottsville, Pa.) 2026 wing Ethan Johnston is the most recent prospect who received an offer from the Terps.
"Coach Ricky Harris was the one who officially offered me," Johnston told IMS. "We have been communicating for a while and building a relationship, but last week he got me on the phone and officially extended an offer. It was really nice getting that offer because that wasn't one, I was necessarily expecting right now. That's a big-time school and they're doing really good and do a good job with their freshmen."
Johnston is a 6-foot-6 wing who brings versatility as an offensive threat. He's a consistent scorer from all three levels and continues to add polish. He's lengthy and brings some athletic pop on drives or lobs in the open floor. Johnston ranks as the No. 115 overall prospect in the 2026 247Sports composite.
"The biggest thing that Maryland likes is the versatility I bring for my size. It not only helps me on the offensive side of things, but it allows me to guard multiple positions on the defensive end. I'm tightening up my handle, which has helped with creating my own shot, but this year for Hill I've had to become more of an all-around playmaker, so I feel like people are noticing my ability to share the ball more."
Maryland's success this season has quickly spread and left an impression on prospects that span beyond the DMV territory such as Johnston.
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"I've watched them play a few games this season. The biggest thing that I've noticed is how they share the ball. The other thing is just how hard they play, man. It's a fast-paced system and they maintain the energy throughout the game."When asked to describe his game, Johnston said, "I make everyone around me better. I watch a lot of Paul George because I think my game is smooth, similar to the way he operates."
Other programs involved include Cal, Georgetown, Illinois, Marquette and Virginia Tech, among others. He'll take an official visit to Marquette on Feb. 24. He intends on getting down to College Park before long to get a feel for the campus and a better idea of how he'd fit in head coach Kevin Willard's system.
What will Johnston look for when he's evaluating programs?
"I want to go where the love is at. I want to go somewhere where I'll be pushed. That's really important to me. Also, it'll be based on the relationship the school has established not only with me, but those around me like my family and others who have helped me," he said.
