Maryland's football team began strongly but ultimately fell to Nebraska 48-23 on Saturday in Lincoln, extending the Terps’ losing streak to three games since opening FBS play against Virginia Tech on September 19. The defeat marks a continued struggle for head coach Michael Locksley in his eighth season leading the program.
Maryland led for much of the first half and held a nine-point advantage in the second quarter but allowed Nebraska to score 34 unanswered points from late in the second quarter through the end of the game. Quarterback Malik Washington produced a mixed performance, finishing 23 of 44 for 254 yards and one touchdown but throwing two interceptions in the first half that halted Maryland’s momentum. After an efficient start with 177 yards passing in the opening quarter, Washington was ineffective in the second quarter and failed to throw a single completion.
The turnovers were costly. Washington’s first interception came with Maryland leading 16-14 early in the second quarter when he was picked off by defensive lineman Kade Pietrzak. Although Nebraska did not capitalize immediately, Maryland soon lost its lead when Washington threw a second interception, this time returned 81 yards by defensive back Dwayne McDougle III for a touchdown. The defensive score cut Maryland’s lead and shifted momentum before Nebraska took the lead into halftime. Over the past two games, Washington has thrown six interceptions, three of which have been returned for touchdowns.
The Terps also undermined themselves with several critical mistakes. Maryland’s punt unit nearly suffered a block early, which resulted in a penalty that extended a drive culminating in a field goal. However, Nebraska successfully blocked a punt later, turning that play into a 19-yard touchdown run by Mekhi Nelson. Additional penalties, including personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct, frequently stalled Maryland’s defense and extended Nebraska’s possessions. The Terps accumulated 70 penalty yards in the first half alone and missed early opportunities to build a sizable lead.
Offensively, Maryland was largely ineffective on third downs, converting only one out of 14 attempts during the game and just two out of 29 over the last two contests. The team's performance in the fourth quarter was also disappointing, as Nebraska outscored Maryland 20-0 in the final quarter to seal the victory. Maryland has struggled to win fourth quarters in conference play, having not done so since late October 2024.
Earlier this week, Maryland Athletic Director Jim Smith voiced support for Locksley following a heavy loss to UCLA but indicated that his recent comments would be his final public remarks regarding the coach’s future. Despite the backing, the team’s ongoing difficulties and persistent mistakes have intensified scrutiny around Locksley’s tenure. Maryland is set to face Ohio State next week on the road, followed by a home game against Rutgers on October 17 before the team’s bye week. Any decision on Locksley’s employment would carry significant financial implications, as the coach is owed roughly $10 million if dismissed before the end of the year.
While there remains institutional support for the coach, the mounting losses and recurring errors suggest the pressure to produce results is increasing.