Overview
- Smith said he informed Locksley on Sunday, and a Maryland spokesperson publicly confirmed the coach will return next season.
- Maryland will significantly increase NIL and program funding for 2026 to focus on retaining the roster, recruiting and competing in the transfer portal.
- The Terrapins have dropped six straight to fall to 4-6 (1-6 Big Ten) after a 4-0 start, with two regular-season games remaining against No. 18 Michigan and Michigan State.
- Firing Locksley would have cost the school more than $13 million under his contract, a figure reported as context for the decision.
- Coverage notes recruiting and retention factors, citing a top-25 2025 class with freshman contributors Malik Washington, Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis, and the potential to keep commitments such as five-star Zion Elee.